As Singapore moves to legislate against discrimination in the workplace, a rights group in the city-state says there are still loopholes in the proposed law, even though the categories covered are based on more than 95 percent of registered complaints.

Meanwhile, experts applaud workplace equity efforts as timely, though one observer points out that employers should not be required by law to comply with such practices.

Companies and employers who discriminate against workers based on characteristics such as their race, age, gender and nationality could soon be taken to court to be fined under the Fairness in the Workplace Act, which was tabled in parliament on Tuesday.

If the bill is passed, the law will likely take effect from 2026.

It will cover employment decisions, including hiring decisions, performance appraisal, training and firing.

The city-state’s leading LGBTQ rights group expressed disappointment that diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are not covered by the proposed law.