The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage is a monumental feat for the country, with millions of people celebrating and taking to social media, saying that “love wins.” The landmark ruling is now sending waves of debate on other countries, including China with its Confucian principles.
Chinese people are now asking if marriage equality has a place in Chinese society, and if such rights are within the traditional Confucian teachings most Chinese grew up with.
Zeng Yi, a professor of philosophy from Tongji University, is one of its detractors. In a news article published by thepaper.cn, the academic slammed the court ruling and called President Barack Obama's support for same-sex marriage an "anti-human crime." For Zeng, homosexuality is against the tenets of Confucianism, and that marriage is a way to ensure the survival of the family line.
Zeng went on to quote The Book of Rites, which says that the "marriage ceremony is to unite two genders . . . and to produce offspring."
Chinese sexologist and same-sex marriage advocate Li Yinhe describes Zeng's view as "backward," and says that same-sex marriage is possible in China.
"The U.S. ruling has been hailed by Chinese society and this will be a boost for the gay rights movement here. I've noticed that there are more heterosexuals who support [gay marriage]."
In a research conducted by The Chinese Journal of Human Sexuality in 2014, 85 percent out of 921 respondents were pro same-sex marriage, while a meager 2 percent were against it. 13 percent of the respondents, on the other hand, were undecided.
Despite the apparent overwhelming support for same-sex marriage, deep-rooted Chinese values have the power to impede such progress.
"Compared to the individualism of Western culture, Chinese society's emphasis on family values and the continuation of the family bloodline could impede the development of gay rights," said Li. "But on the other hand, Chinese society can be more equipped for the change as polls show that the legalization of same-sex marriage has not met strong opposition like it did in the U.S."
The United States is the 21st country in the world to recognize same-sex marriages.