Abstract

During the circuit breaker period, all non essential businesses are affected by office closures. However, even when the office is closed, work is still done virtually with employees working from home. Businesses have adapted quickly to this new normal by way of digital transformation. We feel that the business of getting married still can be conducted despite the circuit breaker measures. Thus we would like to petition for the allowance of virtual solemnisation, digital signing of the marriage certificate, with the provision of notarising or verifying the marriage at a later date. 

The situation

We are Singaporeans whose weddings have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

We acknowledge that the government of Singapore has been extremely helpful to us, with the Covid-19 Temporary Measures Act offering relief for event related contracts. However, we feel that more can be done to support us. 

At the start of the tightening restrictions on social gatherings, we Brides- and Grooms-to-be have seen the hope of enjoying our nuptials fade gradually, from the first restriction of 250 guests down to the restriction of social gatherings to 10 people, to the current circuit breaker measures which effectively ensures that there will be no marriages during this period. 

We are already saddled with anxiety and stress over rescheduling our wedding banquets, church services, ceremonies as well as receptions. Another problem which will soon arise is that once ROM is open, there will be a backlog of requests to verify documents, collect marriage certificates and solemnise weddings. This will certainly result in a snowball effect causing disruptions far past the duration of the circuit breaker period. 

The importance of the ROM date cannot be understated. Some of us have waited years for a date that both sides of the family can come to a consensus. Some are restricted by superstition or by dates which are considered auspicious. Some of us chose a significant date, perhaps an anniversary, to hold our wedding. Some, showing filial piety, chose to get married sooner to please a relative which would soon pass away. Some are looking forward to moving into their brand new BTO flat and to live the Singaporean dream. Some brides to be are currently pregnant. Some of us actually fall into all the above categories! 

Therefore, we would like to propose a solution which will allow some of us to keep our ROM date, even during the circuit breaker measures, while maintaining social distancing and complying with existing regulations.   

Solution

We acknowledge that Singapore is facing an unprecedented disruption with the Covid-19 pandemic. We understand the government's objective to keep contact between people living in different households to a minimum and our solution will comply with such measures.

Our solution would be to allow the issuance of the marriage certification virtually, together with the solemnisation conducted over video conferencing. In addition, the signing of the marriage certificate should be done with an established, robust, and secure electronic signature infrastructure such as Docusign.

Video conferencing is already familiar with the many Singaporeans currently working from home. Apps such as Zoom, Google Meet and WebEx are enterprise substitutes for meeting face to face. Electronic signatures on software such as DocuSign have been used for years in business to sign legally binding agreements. These documents can then be notarised at a later date, perhaps when the circuit breaker is lifted.

This solution is not without precedent. During this pandemic, several areas under full lockdown (more severe than Singapore's circuit breaker) have allowed virtual weddings. 

• Coronavirus: In a first for Malaysia, couple exchange wedding vows in virtual ceremony 
• 'Virtual wedding' a hit in the times of coronavirus (India)
• Coronavirus: New York couples can now tie the knot over Zoom
• COVID-19: Indonesia opens online marriage registrations
• COVID-19: UAE Ministry now provides online services to hold Muslim weddings

It is our sincere wish that the Registry of Marriages and the Ministry of Social and Family development (MSF) consider our proposed solution. Singapore has long maintained the importance of the family unit and has always encouraged marriage and family planning. Allow us to ROM during this period and contribute to the important work of nation building!

Regards

The Brides and Grooms-to-be of Singapore