Fridae

A report has just been released by Human Rights Council, an international organization pushing for LGBT equality, in which it investigates the progress made and the obstacles facing the Peoples Republic of China.

The report notes that China's poor record on freedom of speech, assembly and religion as well as LGBT equality will come under scrutiny as it seeks to hose the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

The report outlines a history of homosexuality in China, including records of gender diversity and same-sex relations dating back to 650 BC. It also notes influential Chinese sociologist Li Yinhe, who sketches out the attitudes towards LGBT in China.

According to Li's research, "70 to 80 percent of Chinese are indifferent to homosexuality and the rest are divided between supporters and opponents. Hate crimes against LGBT people are rare." Furthremore, major religions in China,  Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism, neither reject nor embrace homosexuality.

However, the report also notes that "despite this outward tolerance, a report about the situation facing LGBT people and civil society in China issued by the United Nations and the U.S. government last year flagged a host of serious problems." Chinese LGBT lack protection from discrimination, recognition of relationships and stigmatism and discrimination are rampant.

The report continues to report on the role LGBT NGOs in the country including PFLAG China. It also takes into account the roles of corporations and employment rights. The report also tackles HIV amongst men who have sex with men in the country.

The full report can be read here:
http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com//files/assets/resources/GlobalSpotlight-China.pdf