Jehovah’s Witnesses have been present in Singapore since the 1930’s. In 1962, they registered a legal entity, the Singapore Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, on January 14, 1972, the government dissolved the legal entity and prohibited the importation and distribution of their religious publications. The government justifies its actions on the basis that Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse to participate in military service.

Military service is compulsory in Singapore, and the government does not recognize the rights of conscientious objectors. As a result, those men who conscientiously object to military service must serve two consecutive terms in prison, totaling 39 months.

Though there has been no change in legislation, there is currently a more tolerant attitude toward the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses. For example, Singapore’s highest appellate court stated that a “citizen’s right to profess, practise or propagate his religious belief, even as a Jehovah’s Witness, has not been taken away.” Jehovah’s Witnesses in Singapore highly value this right and appreciate the greater respect evident in the government’s recent dealings with them.