Singapore legislation

Clause 15

Repeal and re-enactment of sections 22, 23 and 24 and new Division 4 of Part 3

Sections 22, 23 and 24 of the Women’s Charter are repealed and the following Division and sections substituted therefor:“Division 4 — SolemnisationWho may solemnise a marriage22.—

(1)

A marriage may be solemnised by the Registrar or a licensed solemniser.(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Minister may grant a licence to any suitable person to solemnise marriages in Singapore.(3) A licensed solemniser is deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of the Penal Code 1871.How is a marriage solemnised23.—

(1)

Subject to section 24, a marriage must be solemnised with all the following persons in the presence of each other in Singapore:

(a)

the parties to the intended marriage;

(b)

the Registrar or a licensed solemniser;

(c)

at least 2 credible witnesses.(2) The Registrar or licensed solemniser —

(a)

must ask the man whether he is willing to take the woman as his wife;

(b)

must ask the woman whether she is willing to take the man as her husband; and

(c)

must not solemnise the marriage unless the Registrar or the licensed solemniser is satisfied that both parties freely consent to the marriage.(3) Subject to this section, the Registrar or licensed solemniser may adopt any form and ceremony.Registrar may permit remote solemnisation in certain circumstances24.—

(1)

The Registrar may give permission for a marriage to be remotely solemnised using a live video or live television link if —

(a)

the parties to the intended marriage, the person solemnising the marriage and the witnesses will be in Singapore during the solemnisation; and

(b)

the Registrar is satisfied that —

(i)

there are exceptional circumstances that prevent the parties from solemnising their marriage in the presence of each other, the person solemnising the marriage or the witnesses; and

(ii)

it is otherwise appropriate to give permission.(2) In giving permission under subsection (1), the Registrar may specify —

(a)

the remote communications technology that is to be used to create the live video or live television link between the parties to the intended marriage, the person solemnising the marriage and the witnesses;

(b)

the locations at which the parties, the person solemnising the marriage and the witnesses are to be present; and

(c)

the administrative and technical facilities and arrangements to be put in place at those locations.”.

Read in full context — Women’s Charter (Amendment) Bill →