As a father deeply affected by the prevailing bias in the Family Justice Courts and Syariah Courts of Singapore, I am calling for an urgent reform of the Women’s Charter and Syariah Divorce Laws.

For too long, judicial decisions in these courts have defaulted towards bias, often leaving men and fathers unfairly disadvantaged. It's a pain that many Singaporean men bear in silence, but it's taking a toll on us, our families, and our society.

Reportedly, judges in these courts are supposed to approach each case impartially, but numerous personal accounts hint at a different reality. I, along with countless others, believe that the scales of justice are tipped unfairly, with men and fathers usually on the losing end. This bias can be traced back to law provisions that carry outdated gender norms and assumptions.

We urgently need more balance, more fairness, and more contemporary views to guide our legal decisions affecting families. It's high time that laws acknowledge, respect, and uphold the valued role that both parents play in their children’s lives.

This petition isn't about painting one gender as the villain but about ensuring equality and justice for all involved parties. By signing this petition, you're lending your voice to a cause that strives for a more balanced, fair, and updated law system that respects and upholds the rights and needs of all individuals concerned. Please sign this petition, and together let's work for a more equitable Singapore.

Petition to Reform the Women’s Charter and Syariah Divorce Laws in Singapore

To: The Ministry of Social and Family Development, The Ministry of Law, and Relevant Authorities

Subject: Comprehensive Reform of the Women’s Charter and Syariah Divorce Laws to Ensure Justice, Gender Neutrality, and Compliance with Islamic Principles

We, the undersigned, submit this petition to address longstanding issues within the Women’s Charter and Syariah divorce laws in Singapore. This petition outlines the necessary reforms to eliminate systemic biases, prevent exploitation, ensure compliance with Syariah principles, and streamline judicial processes to serve justice for all parties involved.

 

Background

The Women’s Charter:

Introduced in 1961 to protect women and children from exploitation and to regulate family matters.

While progressive at its inception, it has not evolved adequately to reflect modern realities, where gender roles and societal dynamics have shifted.

Syariah Divorce Laws:

Governed under the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA), these laws aim to provide Islamic justice in marital matters.

However, they often lack full alignment with traditional Syariah principles and are influenced by the Women’s Charter, leading to perceived biases against men.

 

Key Issues

Bias in the Women’s Charter:

Provisions often favor women, particularly in alimony, custody, and property division, without equal consideration for men’s rights and financial burdens.

The Charter does not reflect modern gender equality or shared responsibilities in marriage and parenting.

Incomplete Compliance with Syariah Principles:

Singapore’s Syariah laws do not apply nusyuz (disobedience) equally to men and women, unlike other Islamic jurisdictions.

The Syariah Court’s decisions are sometimes constrained by secular laws, diluting Islamic justice.

Exploitation by Lawyers:

Divorce proceedings often become prolonged and adversarial, driven by unscrupulous legal practices that exploit emotionally distressed spouses for monetary gain.

High legal fees disproportionately burden individuals, particularly men, leading to financial ruin and bankruptcy.

Monetary and Time Losses:

The current system has caused significant financial and emotional harm to families, with many individuals losing savings meant for retirement or their children’s future.

There is no channel for victims of past systemic failures to seek compensation or redress.

Inefficiencies in Judicial Processes:

Overloaded courts, inconsistent judgments, and reliance on suspended sentencing create delays and frustration for litigants.

Lack of clear accountability and transparency undermines public confidence in the justice system.

 

Proposed Reforms

1. Reforming the Women’s Charter

A. Ensure Gender Neutrality:

Replace provisions that disproportionately favor women with gender-neutral language and principles.

Establish equal parental rights and responsibilities in matters of custody and financial maintenance.

B. Streamline Processes:

Implement alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mandatory mediation, to reduce court dependency and legal costs.

Cap legal fees for divorce cases to prevent exploitation by lawyers.

C. Introduce Accountability Measures:

Monitor and regulate legal professionals to ensure ethical practices and prevent prolonged litigation for monetary gain.

Create an independent review board to oversee family court decisions and address grievances.

2. Aligning Syariah Divorce Laws with Islamic Principles

A. Equal Application of Nusyuz:

Apply nusyuz provisions equally to men and women, ensuring both spouses are held accountable for marital obligations.

B. Compliance with Traditional Syariah:

Align Singapore’s Syariah laws with those of other Islamic jurisdictions, ensuring justice and fairness in divorce proceedings.

Incorporate Syariah-compliant mechanisms for addressing marital disputes, financial maintenance, and child custody.

C. Addressing Overlap with Secular Laws:

Clearly delineate the jurisdiction of Syariah and secular courts to avoid contradictions and ensure consistent application of Islamic principles.

3. Compensation for Past Victims

A. Establish a Claims Channel:

Create a government-managed compensation scheme for individuals who suffered financial or emotional harm due to systemic failures in the past 30 years.

Eligible claimants should receive 80-95% of proven financial losses, including legal fees, lost income, and depleted savings.

B. Government Accountability:

Fund the compensation scheme through a special allocation to acknowledge the state’s role in addressing systemic shortcomings.

Set up a transparent process for reviewing and approving claims.

4. Judicial Process Improvements

A. Introduce Specialized Family Court Judges:

Ensure judges receive specialized training in family law and Syariah principles to deliver informed and impartial decisions.

B. Increase Transparency:

Publish clear guidelines for sentencing, maintenance calculations, and custody decisions to enhance public trust.

C. Expedite Cases:

Implement technology-driven case management systems to reduce delays and improve efficiency.

Conclusion

The Women’s Charter and Syariah divorce laws must be reformed to reflect modern values of gender equality, comply fully with Islamic principles, and prevent exploitation by elites and legal professionals. These changes will:

Restore faith in Singapore’s judicial system.

Protect families from undue financial and emotional harm.

Ensure justice and fairness for all citizens, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status.

We urge the Ministry of Social and Family Development, the Ministry of Law, and other relevant authorities to take immediate action to address these pressing issues. By enacting these reforms, Singapore can uphold its commitment to justice, equality, and the well-being of its people.

Signatories:

FathersForever

Men Suffered From Bias Laws

[List of Names/Organizations]