Statute Details
- Title: Undesirable Publications (Prohibition) Order 2015
- Full Title: N/A
- Act Code: UPA1967-S721-2015
- Type: Subsidiary Legislation
- Commencement Date: 25 November 2015
- Parts: N/A
- Key Sections: Section 2: The importation, sale and circulation of all issues and editions of the publications and series of publications set out in the Schedule are prohibited.
- Related Legislation: Undesirable Publications Act (Chapter 338)
What Is This Legislation About?
The Undesirable Publications (Prohibition) Order 2015 is a piece of subsidiary legislation enacted under the Undesirable Publications Act of Singapore. Its primary purpose is to prohibit the importation, sale, and circulation of certain publications and series of publications deemed undesirable by the Singaporean government.
This Order serves as a legal mechanism to restrict access to content that the authorities consider harmful or contrary to the public interest. By prohibiting the distribution of these materials, the government aims to prevent their influence and impact on Singaporean society. The Order is part of Singapore's broader regulatory framework governing media and publications.
What Are the Key Provisions?
The key provision of the Undesirable Publications (Prohibition) Order 2015 is found in Section 2, which states:
"The importation, sale and circulation of all issues and editions of the publications and series of publications set out in the Schedule are prohibited."
This means that the Order explicitly bans the importation, sale, and circulation of any and all issues or editions of the publications and series of publications listed in the Schedule attached to the Order. The prohibition applies regardless of whether the publications are produced or printed inside or outside of Singapore.
The Schedule itself is not included in the extract of the legislation provided. However, based on the wording of Section 2, it is clear that the Schedule contains a list of specific publications and series that have been deemed undesirable by the authorities and are therefore subject to the prohibition.
The Order also includes two other key provisions: 1. Section 1 provides the citation and commencement details, stating that the Order may be cited as the "Undesirable Publications (Prohibition) Order 2015" and came into effect on 25 November 2015. 2. Section 3 revokes the previous "Undesirable Publications (Prohibition) (Consolidation) Order (O 1)" and cancels Gazette Notification No. 405 published on 4 February 1994. This indicates that the 2015 Order supersedes and replaces earlier legislation on the same topic.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
The Undesirable Publications (Prohibition) Order 2015 is a relatively short piece of legislation, consisting of only three sections. It does not appear to be divided into any formal parts or chapters.
The key components are: 1. Section 1: Citation and commencement 2. Section 2: Prohibition of importation, sale and circulation of publications 3. Section 3: Revocation and cancellation 4. The Schedule (not included in the extract provided)
The structure is straightforward, with the main operative provision being Section 2 which sets out the core prohibition. Sections 1 and 3 provide the legal context and administrative details around the Order.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The Undesirable Publications (Prohibition) Order 2015 applies broadly to any person or entity involved in the importation, sale, or circulation of the publications and series listed in the Schedule. This would include importers, distributors, retailers, and any other intermediaries in the supply chain for these materials.
The prohibition is not limited to Singaporean citizens or residents - it applies regardless of the origin or location of the publications. Any attempt to bring these materials into Singapore or make them available to the Singaporean public would be subject to the restrictions imposed by this Order.
While the Order does not explicitly state enforcement mechanisms or penalties, the underlying Undesirable Publications Act provides the legal framework for the government to take action against violations, such as seizure of prohibited materials and potential criminal sanctions.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
The Undesirable Publications (Prohibition) Order 2015 is an important tool in Singapore's broader regulatory regime governing media and publications. By prohibiting the distribution of specific content deemed undesirable, the government aims to limit the influence and impact of such materials on Singaporean society.
This legislation reflects Singapore's approach to balancing freedom of expression with maintaining social stability and national interests. The authorities have wide discretion to designate certain publications as undesirable and restrict their circulation, even if the content may be freely available in other jurisdictions.
From the government's perspective, the Order serves to uphold public morals, protect vulnerable groups, and prevent the spread of ideas or information that could be detrimental to Singapore's social fabric or national security. However, critics argue that it represents an overreach of state power and infringes on fundamental rights.
Ultimately, the significance and impact of this legislation lies in its role within Singapore's comprehensive media regulatory framework and the ongoing debate around balancing censorship and free expression.
Related Legislation
- Undesirable Publications Act (Chapter 338)
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Undesirable Publications (Prohibition) Order 2015 for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.