NETIZENS in China have put an abrupt stop to social media site Sina Weibo’s plans to ban all material relating to gay culture in what they called a 3-month “clean-up” effort.
NETIZENS in China have put an abrupt stop to social media site Sina Weibo’s plans to ban all material relating to gay culture in what they called a 3-month “clean-up” effort.
The initiative, announced Friday, prompted widespread criticism from internet users who used the hashtags #iamgay and #iamgaynotapervert to highlight their disdain and bombard the social network with photos of gay couples and rainbow emojis.
“I am the mother of a gay son. My son and I love our country,” one woman in Shanghai wrote, as reported by the Guardian. “No matter where we go we tell others loudly and proudly that we are from China… But today… I suddenly [find] that in this strong country, Sina Weibo is discriminating against and attacking this sexual minority.”
Others cited the Chinese Constitution and its protection of minorities, saying that insult towards citizens is prohibited.
Beijing-based advocacy group PFLAG China on Sunday called on Sina’s shareholders to punish the “evil” acts of the NASDAQ-listed company by “voting with their feet” and selling shares.
