Can You Kiss in Public in Singapore?

Public displays of affection such as kissing in itself is not illegal in Singapore as certain people would have you believe. However, as a conservative Asian country, there are conditions to the degree of intimacy one can exhibit to avoid offending others. One of the rules related to this is probably under the Miscellaneous Offences, specifically the Public Order and Nuisances Act found in section 27A. This law highlights that nudity, especially in public spaces or even a private area that is visible by other members of the public is prohibited. Persons found in such situations are liable to pay a fine of up to $2000 or face a jail term of about 3 months.

You may want to be careful on the manner in which you and your significant other express that kiss because there is actually a law that regulates affectionate displays in public. As stated under section 20 of the above mentioned Act in Singapore’s ordinance, sensual or obscene acts are classified under indecent behavior and are strictly forbidden in public areas. In fact, persons caught indulging in such acts can be punished with imprisonment of up to a month or a fine of not more than $1000.

The reality is that although a couple may not see their kiss as offensive to others, certain members of the public eye or worse, undercover police officers may find their expression of love quite indecent. For this reason, many suggest that couples reserve their affections for private areas where no one can see, judge or report their harmless action. A quick peck is enough because you never know when you may be crossing the line of being indecent.