New Chinese morality guidelines have banned gay couples from the airwaves shortly after the country yanked the plug on the web series “Addicted.” The new policy ban “abnormal sexual relationships and sexual behavior.”
Also banned under the new guidelines are “witchcraft practices and feudal superstition,” “grotesque criminal cases,” according to Towleroad. “Abnormal sexual relationships” also includes extramarital affairs, incest, and rape/sexual assault.
The guidelines come after the China Television Drama Production Industry Association and the China Alliance of Radio, Film and Television took issue with a gay high school drama airing on streaming services that showed two teens kissing. The show was based off the popular “boys’ love” novel, Are You Addicted? written by Chai Jidan.
The show was yanked after it’s third week on air; the rest of the season was uploaded to the show’s YouTube channel.
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
The new guidelines ban anything that would have an “adverse effects on minors” including smoking, fighting, doing drugs, and drinking.
Watch the first (subtitled) episode below.