Ambiguous reactions: sympathy to intolerance

Homosexuality is still largely a taboo subject in China, but it is slowly entering the realm of public discussion, especially after sociologist Li Yinhe's proposals on the legalization of same-sex marriages to the NPC and CPPCC through NPC and CPPCC members.

In 2001, homosexuality was crossed out of the China Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disorders. But while same-sex marriages have not been legalized, there is also no law that prohibits gay and lesbian liaisons.

China occupies the middle ground as far as acceptance of homosexuality goes, according to Guo Xiaofei, author of Homosexuality in the Prospective of Chinese Law (2007).