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Police Shut Down 'Mr. Gay China' Pageant

Police say organizers didn't apply 'according to procedures'

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 15, 2010 2:01 PM CST

(Newser) – Chinese police shut down the “Mr. Gay China” pageant an hour before it was set to start, saying the organizers didn’t apply for permissions “according to the procedures.” The event was seen as a symbol of China’s newfound acceptance of homosexuality, which was illegal in the country until 1997 and classified as a mental illness until 2001, reports the BBC.

Most of the people involved with the pageant aren’t buying the police's excuse. “I believe it had something to do with the issue of homosexuality,” one of the judges said. “It’s a disaster,” a contestant said. “I’m full of disappointment. I thought the government was becoming more and more tolerant.” China pulled a similar stunt last June, telling the country’s first Gay Pride Festival to cancel two of its sessions.

A promotional image for the canceled Mr. Gay China.
A promotional image for the canceled "Mr. Gay China."
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
Derni
Jan 16, 2010 9:14 AM CST
china-has a ways to go for human rights-but so does the USA
riffran
Jan 16, 2010 7:22 AM CST
yuk
Berzelius
Jan 16, 2010 6:02 AM CST
If you don't do what you're told in any country you get thrown in jail, some just have longer lists than others. Besides I don't remember in this article getting thrown in jail. I also guess we won't know for sure if it was because they were gay or not since they didn't get the appropriate permits.

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