The expansion plans of an international dating service promoting adultery has been stalled in Singapore as it ignited a social media protest and received a sharp rebuke from the city-state's social affairs minister.
The Minister for Social and Family Development, Chan Chun Sing, said that he is against any company or website that harms marriages and he does not welcome the website into Singapore, News.com.au reported.
He added that infidelity undermines trust and commitment between a husband and wife, and it would not be promoted in Singapore as they are core values of a marriage.
Ashley Madison, which offers a discreet dating service for those looking to have affairs, was planning a Singapore launch next year which sparked a Facebook petition named "Block Ashley Madison - Singapore" that has drawn over 11,000 people so far.
The Canada-based website's slogan states "Life is short. Have an affair" and has been aggressively expanding in Asia, with recent launches in Japan, India and Hong Kong.
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