While sex work itself is not illegal in Singapore, many related activities are. An estimated 10,000 sex workers operate in the country, according to Project X.
Key Legal Definitions
- Sex work: Defined under the Women’s Charter as a female offering her body for sexual penetration in exchange for payment or compensation.
- Procurement: This refers to arranging sexual services (often by a “pimp”) or paying for sex. While paying for sex with adults is legal, it is illegal with minors (under 18).
Illegal Activities and Penalties
- Procuring sex workers or services
- Includes persuading someone into sex work or profiting from another person’s sex work.
- Penalties: Up to 7 years’ jail and a fine of $100,000 for first-time offenders; harsher penalties for repeat offenders, including caning for males.
- Includes persuading someone into sex work or profiting from another person’s sex work.
- Running an illegal brothel
- Only licensed brothels are permitted under tight regulation.
- Penalties: Up to 5 years’ jail or $100,000 fine; increased penalties for repeat offences.
- Only licensed brothels are permitted under tight regulation.
Sentencing Framework
- Culpability levels:
- Low: Minor, one-off involvement.
- Moderate: Involvement in controlling sex workers’ activities or finances.
- High: Involves abuse, coercion, exploitation, violence, or trafficking.
- Low: Minor, one-off involvement.
- Harm levels:
- High harm: Cruel treatment, forced participation, or psychological abuse.
- Lower harm: Less severe forms of exploitation.
- High harm: Cruel treatment, forced participation, or psychological abuse.
Aggravating Factors (may lead to harsher sentences):
- Large-scale or sophisticated operations
- Use of violence or coercion
- Exploitation of minors
- Interfering with justice (e.g. witness tampering)
- Using the internet to conduct sex work operations
Mitigating Factors (may reduce sentence):
- Genuine remorse and guilty plea (if not merely strategic)
Cheating to Procure Sex
A specific sentencing framework was developed for offenders who deceive victims into sex (e.g. pretending to be a matchmaker for rich clients). Sentences range from fines to up to 36 months’ jail, depending on the severity and harm caused.
Other Offences
- Persistent solicitation: Fine up to $1,000 for first-time offenders; higher penalties for repeat offenders.
Online advertising: Illegal to use websites to offer or promote paid sexual services.