A/HRC/18/11 bisexual and transgender persons did not have to hide their sexual orientation for fear of losing their jobs or for fear of prosecution. Any person unfairly dismissed had legal recourse. On the issue of whether to decriminalize certain homosexual acts, that had been debated extensively, including in parliament but the decision had been taken to retain the status quo. Much of Singapore remained conservative, a fact which could not be changed by legislation alone. It was noted however that the police did not proactively enforce the provision unless other laws such as on indecent public behaviour or paedophilia were broken. 83. On the question of women prisoners, Singapore assured that measures were in place to protect their safety and acknowledge their special needs. Singapore would continue efforts to ensure a gender-sensitive approach. 84. On questions concerning freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Singapore explained that, in deciding the optimal balance between the exercise of political rights and stability, stability had to be given greater weight given that Singapore was a diverse and densely-populated city. Cause-related assemblies were generally regulated by permits. There was also a simple and transparent registration process for societies. Rejections were exceptional. This created a social climate in which civil society could flourish peacefully. 85. On media freedom, Singapore noted that freedom of speech was constitutionally guaranteed. As a knowledge-based economy, local media only formed part of the cosmopolitan and vibrant press scene of Singapore. Singapore was also one of the most connected countries in the world. The issue was really one of responsible press. The media’s role as a neutral forum, which reported fully and fairly, underpinned the country’s regulatory framework. Where newspapers had been sued, they had been sued for civil defamation and contempt. These actions were commonplace in common-law countries. Media freedom in a healthy democracy should not allow for scurrilous allegations of political corruption or judicial bias, or lies that denigrated character and reputation. Newspapers had not been prosecuted for criminal defamation in the 40 years since Singaporean independence. 86. On a question regarding the regulation of speech on racial and religious matters, the approach of Singapore was to use moral suasion, framed within the rule of law. The law was used only as a last resort. 87. On the issue of capital punishment, Singapore reiterated the absence of international consensus for or against capital punishment, including mandatory capital punishment. Singapore viewed the death penalty as a criminal justice issue. Capital punishment was only imposed for the most serious crimes, after due judicial process, and in accordance with the law. It was supported by the majority of Singaporeans. Singapore had one of the lowest homicide and heroin abuse rates in the world. Statistics on executions were published. 88. Singapore emphasized that its use of corporal punishment was within internationally accepted norms. Corporal punishment was only available for a specified list of serious crimes, and was not lightly imposed. Its imposition was subject to clear restrictions and conditions. On a question related to immigration offenders, Singapore noted that, due to its small size, it would be unwise to turn a blind eye to those who entered and remained in the country illegally. In 1989, when the Government had offered amnesty before a new law regarding corporal punishment for immigration offences entered into force, more than 12,000 people had turned themselves in. 89. Concerning suggestions for the establishment of an independent human rights institution, Singapore assured that it was firmly committed to the effective implementation of human rights at home through overlapping and mutually reinforcing forms of protection. Although Singapore was not currently party to any instruments that provided for individual communications procedures, legal remedies were available in appropriate cases through 13