Chinese social media site reverses banning gay content after nationwide outcry
The site said it would not include LGBT content in its clean-up
By Steve Brown
The Chinese social media network, Sina Weibo, has reserved from banning gay content after a massive outcry.
On Friday (13.04.18), the microblogging site said it would be taking down any content that relates to homosexuality which prompted a number of posts from users protesting the decision.
Sina Weibo surprised users with the “clean-up campaign” and said in a statement: “This is to further ensure a clear and harmonious society and environment.”
Following on from the announcement, many of the LGBT community took to the site to protest the decision using the hashtags #IAmGay and #ScumbagSinaHelloIAmGay.
Others posted pictures of themselves with their partners or gay friends or relative to test the ban.
One LGBT rights activist Pu Chunmei wrote: “My son and I love our country… We are proud to be Chinese!
“But today I saw the announcement by Sina Weibo… as a source of news, it is discriminating and attacking minorities and this is violence! [sic]”
Now, the site – which has been described as China’s version of Twitter – has backtracked and revealed it would be reversing the ban, according to BBC News, and said the “clean-up” would not include LGBT content.
Last year, the country put in strict internet laws as part of a wider ongoing campaign for a “beautiful internet”.