Pelangi Pride Centre together with Oogachaga, Transbefrienders & leaders and representatives from other local LGBTQ+ community organisations, recently met with staff from Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices.
We collectively expressed our disappointment that sexual orientation and gender identity will not be included as protected characteristics in the proposed Workplace Fairness Legislation.
At the meeting, MOM provided assurance that through existing mechanisms such as the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices (TGFEP), all cases of workplace discrimination will be looked into, even if they arise from characteristics that will not be protected in the proposed legislation. Such cases may involve discrimination on the basis of the jobseeker’s or employee’s sexual orientation and/ or gender identity. The intention is to provide recourse for those affected, and to prevent further discrimination.
Additionally, there was a meaningful discussion about ongoing dialogue and possible collaboration, between MOM, TAFEP and respective LGBTQ+ community organisations. More details will be shared as they become available.