As part of its campaign to clamp down on "vulgar, immoral and unhealthy content," China's government has reportedly banned depictions of gay people on television.
The new regulation, issued on Dec. 31, 2015 by state censors but only widely circulated this week, mandates that television shows should not show story lines that "exaggerate the dark side of society," including gay relationships, adultery and the supernatural.
"No television drama shall show abnormal sexual relationships and behaviours, such as incest, same-sex relationships, sexual perversion, sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual violence, and so on."
Many reportedly expressed discontent at China's latest crackdown on gays with one unhappy Internet surfer saying: "What year are we living in, how are we still openly discriminating against homosexuality?"
"Bestiality [wasn't mentioned], is it allowed?" asked another person, according to the Independent.
The new rules were issued a week after a controversial show called "Addicted Heroin," about gay teenagers, was pulled from video streaming sites in China. The show can now only be viewed on YouTube, which is blocked in China. Several other shows featuring gay characters have also been pulled in recent months, USA Today reported.
Moreover, underage viewers must not also be exposed to content which could be considered harmful such as "underage love," smoking, binge drinking, fighting and unusual or extravagant clothing, the rule says.
It also frowns upon a range of other content from cleavage to witchcraft, reincarnation and other supernatural beliefs.
Historical depictions are likewise not permitted on TV as they are "harmful to the unity and sovereignty of the country and its territorial integrity."
Scenes which expose the methods adopted by detectives and show in detail how they crack cases, thereby assisting criminals in coming up with counter-moves are also forbidden.
The new rules said television shows should "promote the "excellent traditional culture of China," "spread positive energy" and "contribute to the achievement of the Chinese Dream."
