The pullout by China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) of the popular gay drama "Addiction" on Feb. 22 was not enough. Now, the censor just totally banned the depiction of all gays on Chinese TV.
The 15-episode series, which has gay love between two teenage boys as theme, was aired by Tencent over v.qq.com, a video streaming website. But after its debut on Jan. 29 – which had high ratings – fans of the second most-viewed series on the website noticed it missing on Feb. 22.
The Guardian reported on Friday that the SAPPRFT issued new regulations on TV content in a bid to curb the exaggeration of “the dark side of society,” referring to underage relationships, homosexuality, one-night stands and extramarital affairs. It also includes reincarnation, smoking, clothes that are sexually suggestive, drinking and adultery.
The new guidelines stated: “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.” CNN reported that the eight-page guideline posted on the SAPPRFT website was dated Dec. 31, 2015, but it was only widely reported on Chinese state media this week.
“Addiction” is still available, but it could only be viewed on YouTube which China has blocked. The censor’s move angered Chinese viewers who vented their ire on social media.
The heavy censorship took place since Chinese President Xi Jinping led China in late 2012. Two years after he came to power, the SAPPRFT halted the airing of “The Empress of China,” a TV show, for too much cleavage, which the agency ordered to be blurred. A documentary about a young Chinese gay, titled “Mama Rainbow,” was removed by the SAPPRFT from all Chinese websites in September 2015.
It is not just sex that the censor is cracking down. The guideline also included shows that threaten to damage China’s image, promote lavish living, undermine national unity and depict superstitions and feudalism.