Police denied the White Ribbon Campaign's request to mark Nov 25 with a march — and later turned down its application to hold a children's drama presentation instead — because the events could threaten "law and order," police spokeswoman Rachel Yeo said in a statement.

The group then applied to hold an outdoor children's choir performance, but that was also rejected, the Straits Times newspaper reported.

"They called and asked hypothetically if they changed the event would it be approved and we said 'no,"' Yeo said, regarding the choral event. "But no formal application was made."

Singapore law requires a police permit for any public gathering of five or more people. The government says its strict laws are needed to maintain social order — a big selling point for foreign investors, who are considered crucial to this wealthy but resource-poor city- state.

Police said they'd approve the applications if organizers moved the events indoors or to Speakers' Corner, Yeo said.

The corner, in a tiny park, is the only place in the country where people are allowed to make speeches without permits. But they have to register their names with police before speaking.

The White Ribbon Group couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

Sinapan Samydorai, president of the Singapore rights group Think Center, said the episode demonstrates Singapore's lack of freedom of expression and the government's distrust of independent organizations.

"Basically, they do not want you to go to a place where people will be gathering," Samydorai said. "They want to confine you to a small space."

Police have rejected the Think Center's applications to hold a public art display to mark International Children's Day on Oct. 1 for the past two years, Samydorai said.

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