(LI SHEN)

Homosexuality has a long history in human civilization, and the population of gay people in China is not negligible. On January 30, a special wedding in Beijing provoked a firestorm of debate on the legalization of gay and lesbian marriage. The cause of all this controversy is that the couple who committed themselves to each other in a public wedding ceremony were two males.

Official estimates released for the first time in 2004 put the number of gay men in China at between 5 million and 10 million. But more recent studies by Zhang Beichuan, an expert studying HIV and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) issues at Qingdao University, indicate that the number of gay and lesbian people on the Chinese mainland could be as high as 30 million.

The public has differing opinions on the legalization of same-sex marriage. Supporters say that as long as two people love each other, they should be able to marry. And because sexual orientation is not chosen, gay people are entitled to the same rights enjoyed by others and shouldn't be denied the right to marry their lovers. However, opponents maintain that same-sex marriage is against tradition, and that legal recognition will lead to unpredictable consequences.

Supporters

Tao Ting (Company employee): Legalizing same-sex marriage will benefit not only homosexuals, but society as a whole.

Physiologically, homosexuality is neither a disorder nor a disease, but rather a normal variant of sexual orientation. A person's sexual orientation never compromises the social roles they play. Gay people are just the same as the straight ones in terms of capabilities and talent. In fact, it is said that many highly respected individuals of ancient and modern times were gay, including artists and thinkers such as Plato, Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and others.

The legalization of same-sex marriage would undoubtedly be good news for gay people. They would be able to be more reasonable and open in the pursuit of their happiness. Moreover, not only would gay people's legitimate rights be protected by such legislation, it would also keep gay or lesbian people from resorting to extreme means in their fight for social recognition.

Zhang Yawen (Rednet.cn): Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized by Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, among others. Nowadays, more and more countries follow suit.

Many gay people are gentle, kindhearted, passionate, honest, well-mannered, loyal to their country, and filial to their parents. But just because of their sexual orientation, they are treated with prejudice and discrimination and have to live in darkness with fewer dignities.

A person's particular sexual orientation never means that they are indecent or immoral. We should not force everybody to accept one uniform mindset or pursue "cultural hegemony," but accept homosexuals with a tolerant and rational attitude.