Singapore relaxes rules on free speech

SINGAPORE, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Singapore's new Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced an easing of restrictions on free speech in the tightly controlled island nation on Sunday.

In his first National Day Rally speech, Lee said public speakers would no longer be required to get police permits to express themselves inside buildings, unless they wanted to talk about religion or race.

It's free expression "as long as you don't get into race and religion and don't start a riot," he said.

Lee also said activists would be allowed to mount exhibitions at the country's so-called Speakers' Corner, a limited free-speech venue set up in 2000.

Since he took over as prime minister, Lee has called for an "open and inclusive" Singapore.