Today: 17 March 2025
8 July 2021
3 mins read

WeChat deletes over a dozen LGBT accounts in China

Several followers posted screenshots of the notice which they received when they tried to access the accounts….reports Asian Lite News

Chinese tech giant Tencent’s WeChat social media platform has deleted over a dozen LGBT accounts run by university students, sparking fear of crackdown on gay content.

LGBT rights supporters protested on social media the abrupt closure of these accounts, which the company said, were removed after “receiving relevant complaints”, reported CNN.

Several followers posted screenshots of the notice which they received when they tried to access the accounts.

“After receiving relevant complaints, all content has been blocked and the account has been put out of service,” the notice read, citing violation of government regulation on the management of online public accounts.

China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 and removed it from its official list of mental disorders in 2001.

But same-sex marriage is still illegal in the country, and people who identify as LGBT continue to face discrimination in both personal and professional spheres.

Chinese authorities have tightened control of views that are not in line with official policies or positions.

The blocking of WeChat accounts triggered outrage on Chinese social media.

Logo of WeChat(WIKIPEDIA)

“The era is regressing. China wasn’t like this 10 years ago. Gradually we’re losing all our freedoms,” said a comment on Weibo.

But the move has been welcomed by online nationalists, some of whom claimed, without evidence, that these LGBT groups have been infiltrated by “foreign forces.”

“I support the blocking of the accounts…why should we keep these public accounts run by anti-China forces in our higher education institutions? Are we waiting for them to brain wash university students who have yet to form their values?” said one comment on Weibo.

ALSO READ: India’s Africa outreach aimed at keeping China at bay

Last month, a lecturer from a top Chinese law school has been suspended from teaching after he argued in favour of allowing polygamy, a practice of having multiple spouses, for some intellectuals.

Bao Yinan, an associate professor of international law at East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai, wrote on his WeChat Moments – a social media platform restricted to friends – that teachers at Chinese colleges and universities should be given “special treatment” in marriage and as well as lifelong allowances.

But his comments on polygamy in the private channel were leaked to public platforms, prompting a backlash.

The teachers work unit under the university’s Communist Party committee issued a statement over the weekend, saying Bao had been removed from all teaching duties for “publishing wrong views online”.

Pic credits @WeChatApp

The statement said the school would take further unspecified action against Bao.

Chinese authorities have tightened control of views that are not in line with official policies or positions.

Bao’s comments were initially made about an article on a ruthlessly competitive tenure system for young lecturers at Chinese universities, where only a small percentage of young teachers get tenured jobs.

It was part of his argument for better treatment for younger university workers – an issue brought to the fore when a 39-year-old mathematics teacher at Shanghai’s prestigious Fudan University killed a Communist Party official after learning that he was about to lose his teaching job. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Biden ends ban on TikTok, WeChat

Previous Story

Isaac Herzog sworn in as Israel’s president

Next Story

US completes more than 90% of troop withdrawal process

Latest from -Top News

Palestinians Seek Help to End Israeli Siege 

The Palestinian Ministry of National Economy: “We remind the entire world that Israel is refusing to allow the entry of basic health and humanitarian needs, especially water, electricity, and food, to the

Dubai Glows with Ramadan Spirit

The stunning displays are a key highlight of the second edition of the #RamadanInDubai campaign. Dubai has transformed into a dazzling spectacle of light and artistry in celebration of Ramadan, with grand

UAE Celebrates Emirati Children’s Day

The United Arab Emirates is celebrating Emirati Children’s Day today, reaffirming its dedication to nurturing a safe and supportive environment for the nation’s children. This annual occasion highlights the UAE’s commitment to

US pullback on Gaza plan welcomed 

The Hamas movement also responded positively, stating that the reversal was a welcome move….reports Asian Lite News Palestinian, Jordanian, and Egyptian officials have welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to abandon his

Can AI Transform the Future of India-GCC Ties? 

One area where AI can significantly enhance India-GCC cooperation is in the field of supply chain management and logistics. …writes Sudhanshu Kumar and Rashi Randev  Recently, a few months back, the External
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Taiwan to appoint military attache in Guam base

In response to Wang, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that

BRI: Why China attaches importance to rail projects?

Disaggregated by regions, about 46.9 per cent (USD 28.8 billion)