Civil Society
SAFE+ voices concern over workplace fairness bill’s exclusion of LGBTQ+ protections
SAFE+ has called for the inclusion of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the Workplace Fairness Bill, arguing that its current exclusion risks perpetuating workplace discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. The coalition urged Parliament to amend the bill, emphasising its wider implications for families and society.

SAFE (Supporting, Affirming and Empowering our LGBTQ+ friends and families), along with several community organisations, has urged Parliament to amend the Workplace Fairness Bill (WFL).
Several organisations, including Quasa, TransSG, NTU Kaleidoscope, Aces Going Places, QueerNUS, and IndigNation, co-signed the statement by SAFE+.
The advocacy group calls for the inclusion of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) as protected characteristics, arguing that the bill’s current framework unfairly excludes LGBTQ+ individuals and perpetuates discrimination.
Introduced in November 2024, the WFL seeks to prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics such as age, nationality, sex, marital status, race, and disability.
Its framework includes employer obligations, grievance resolution mechanisms, and provisions for protection against retaliation. However, it stops short of including SOGI—a decision informed by consultations with tripartite partners.
The government has framed the WFL as an evolution of Singapore’s longstanding fair employment guidelines, aimed at fostering harmonious workplaces while balancing business needs. Small firms and religious organisations receive specific exemptions under the legislation.
SAFE+ voice concerns
Ahead of the Parliamentary debate, SAFE+ called on Members of Parliament to challenge and amend the bill. “This is a moment for progress,” the coalition stated. “We must ensure all Singaporeans feel valued, respected, and protected, regardless of their identity.”
SAFE+ emphasised that legislative changes are essential not only for LGBTQ+ individuals but also for their families, communities, and Singapore’s commitment to inclusivity and meritocracy.
The WFL, set for its Second Reading in Parliament next week, aims to strengthen anti-discrimination protections and entrench fair workplace practices.
However, the exclusion of SOGI has drawn sharp criticism from SAFE and its coalition partners, collectively referred to as SAFE+.
SAFE+ has expressed grave concerns about the exclusion of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity from the Workplace Fairness Bill, warning of the following potential consequences for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families in Singapore:
- Discriminatory hiring practices: Employers may not take active steps to eliminate hiring measures that unfairly disadvantage LGBTQ+ individuals, perpetuating unequal opportunities in the job market.
- Difficulties securing employment: LGBTQ+ individuals may continue to face systemic barriers when seeking employment, resulting in limited career progression and economic inequality.
- Unsafe workplace environments: Discrimination and bullying within workplaces could persist, leaving LGBTQ+ employees without adequate legal recourse or support systems.
- Mental health challenges: Experiencing or anticipating workplace discrimination could severely affect the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ employees, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Forced concealment of identity: Many LGBTQ+ individuals may feel compelled to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity to avoid workplace discrimination, hindering their ability to live authentically and thrive professionally.
- Talent drain from Singapore: Exclusionary workplace policies could drive talented LGBTQ+ Singaporeans to relocate to countries with fairer hiring practices and stronger anti-discrimination laws, depriving Singapore of their contributions to society and the economy.
Advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion
SAFE+ highlighted that many LGBTQ+ individuals face higher levels of workplace discrimination compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
They cited studies by organisations such as AWARE and the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, which underscore systemic workplace challenges, including hiring biases and unsafe environments.
SAFE+ warned that excluding SOGI from the bill could legitimise discriminatory practices, exacerbating mental health struggles, limiting career prospects, and compelling some LGBTQ+ Singaporeans to seek safer opportunities abroad.
“Discrimination in hiring and workplace practices not only harms LGBTQ+ individuals but deeply affects their families,” SAFE+ stated. “This bill must reflect fairness and inclusivity to ensure a safe and equal working environment for all Singaporeans.”
Families share concerns
Parents within the SAFE+ network expressed their worries about the implications of the WFL.
A father, Mr Raj S, shared the struggles of his transgender child, who faces significant barriers to employment in Singapore. “Without legislative protection, my child fears harassment at work, and as parents, we share these anxieties for their future,” he said.
Similarly, Ms S Tan, a mother of two, voiced concerns about the emotional toll when family members are forced to relocate due to workplace discrimination. “Meritocracy should ensure everyone has a fair chance,” she stated. “Our policies must embrace diversity to strengthen Singapore’s social fabric.”
Broader legislative implications
SAFE+ also pointed out that other institutional challenges, such as housing and education policies, already marginalise LGBTQ+ individuals. Without explicit workplace protections, they argue that the WFL risks perpetuating inequities in vital areas of daily life.
The coalition reiterated its call for comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that includes SOGI, particularly in sectors impacting safety and livelihoods.
They also invoked a 2022 Parliamentary debate on the repeal of Section 377A, during which Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam stressed the need for dignity and respect for LGBTQ+ individuals.
“Parliament must now demonstrate its commitment to fairness by ensuring the WFL does not institutionalise exclusion,” SAFE+ stated.

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