Gays Advance In China

Astounding foreign observers, China's state-run newspaper, the China News, has published a story in which academics call for the legalization of gay marriage. Since decriminalizing homosexuality in 1997, China has been reverting to its traditional non-judgemental stance towards gays. Buddhism and Taoism do not consider homosexuality a sin and generally promote diversity.

Last year China permitted the formation of its first gay organization, Happy Together, which counts students and professors as members. A professor quoted in the story says the gay marriage would "lead to more stable same-sex relationships" and "help better protect the legitimate rights of same-sex lovers." Supporters also claim that gay marriage would help slow the spread of HIV/AIDS.