Vancouver’s Gay Scene Hidden From Chinese

Gay tourism in Vancouver has been banned for Chinese marketing campaigns.

An agreement between the Chinese and British Columbia authorities was apparently made last year but details were only released before a recent trade envoy trip to China and were hidden away within a 60 page document. The document stipulated that, along with gambling, gay tourism must not be promoted in China.

This is clearly an example of greed overriding liberal principles. The government of British Columbia might not like to think of it in this way, but by acceding to the demands of the Chinese government they are tacitly re-enforcing the homophobic attitudes of the Chinese government. Effectively, they are selling out.

Canada is one of the most liberal countries when it comes to gay rights and is one of the only places in the world that allows gay couples to register a proper gay marriage. This makes this agreement even more outrageous.

At a point in history where gay rights throughout the world are by no means guaranteed, and countries such as Uganda have sought to make homosexuality a criminal offence punishable by death, it is up to liberal-minded powers such as Canada to stand their ground on gay rights and act in a way that honours the many gay people living freely in Canada, paying taxes and electing politicians into power. Anything less is a complete betrayal.

Contact the author here: jmw@morningquickie.com