In a broadly worded measure, Singapore officials banned clergy and foreign religious groups that are deemed to be “intolerant” of other faiths.
“Freedom of religion is guaranteed under our constitution. But any religious group, whether registered or informal, that preaches values or promote actions that are directly contrary to our social harmony, or threatens our safety, will be treated as a security risk,” said Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam, as reported by the International Business Times.
Shanmugam added, “The protocol is a very straightforward and transparent one – what are his teachings? What has he said, whether in Singapore or outside Singapore? And if his teachings are contrary to our values, he will be denied.”
The move appears to be targeted at potential ISIS sympathizers in the island city-state. Shanmugam also noted in his public remarks that local Muslim groups had put in “considerable effort” toward countering ISIS teachings.
