Asia-Pacific News

Jun 11, 2009, 9:48 GMT

Shanghai forces cancellation of part of gay pride event

Beijing - Officials in Shanghai have forced the organizers of China's largest gay pride festival to cancel at least one event, its official website and other online media said Thursday. 'Please note the Shanghai Studio event has been cancelled,' said a message on the official website of the eight-day Shanghai Pride 2009, which began Sunday. Another website aimed at gay men and lesbians said the event was cancelled after pressure from the Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Bureau. State media on Wednesday said Shanghai Pride was of 'profound significance' for tolerance and social progress in China. 'Compared to the 1980s and early 1990s - when most gays and lesbians had to meet covertly in toilets, public bathhouses, parks and bus stations - the situation has changed dramatically,' the official China Daily said. The English-language newspaper said Shanghai had proved itself 'one of the most open and progressive Chinese cities' with its 'increasingly active gay and lesbian community' and the festival. But the report noted that the festival did not include a parade and was small and 'relatively low-key' compared with similar events in other countries. It also said that gay men and lesbians in rural areas still face strong social prejudice and sometimes police harassment.

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