China bars homosexuality on television

Homosexuality is one of the “abnormal behaviours” that are now no longer allowed to be depicted on television in China.

New regulations by the China Television Drama Production Industry Association and the China Alliance of Radio, Film and Television were drafted in December last year but were only recently released online.

Also banned are depictions of reincarnation, incest, extramarital affairs, under-age love and the supernatural.

According to Hong Kong Free Press, the rules include homosexuality within the category of “abnormal sexual relationships or behaviour”.

Shows that reveal too many details about how crimes are solved are also deemed unacceptable. The aim of the rules is to promote a “positive” Chinese society and values.

The news of the regulations follows the sudden removal of the popular Chinese gay web drama, Addiction, from online streaming sites.

The series, about a romance between two gay students, had garnered a strong following after 12 episodes. Fans were outraged when it was pulled before the last three episodes could be streamed.

While homosexuality was legalised in China in 1997, LGBT people have no specific protections from discrimination, and homosexuality remains a taboo.

In November last year, hospitals in China were reported to be offering gay people electric shock therapy as a means to “cure” them of homosexuality.