China bans same-sex romance from TV screens

CHINESE censors say television shows shouldn’t include story lines involving gay relationships, plus other topics that “exaggerate the dark side of society,” according to new guidelines.

The eight-page document on “vulgar, immoral and unhealthy content” posted on the website of the China Television Drama Production Industry Association, was dated December 31 but was widely reported in Chinese state media this week.

It comes after a popular same-sex drama “Addicted Heroin” was pulled from online video streaming websites last week, unleashing an uproar on social media. The show can now only be viewed on YouTube, which is blocked in China.

As well as homosexuality, the guidelines deemed extramarital affairs, one-night stands and underage love off limits.

“No television drama shall show abnormal sexual relationships and behaviors, such as incest, same-sex relationships, sexual perversion, sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual violence, and so on,” the regulations state.

The document also listed a wide range of topics forbidden on TV, including those that might damage the country’s image, promote lavish lifestyles, undermine national unity and illustrate feudalism and superstitions.