ZONE:

Taiwanese pop diva A-mei or Zhang Huimei in Mandarin has once again come under fire, this time for a kissing scene between two men in a wedding scene in her new music video "Love is the Only Thing." Her new album Maybe Tomorrow was produced by Singaporean Martin and released on 21 September.

The 32-year-old singer-songwriter has only been recently allowed to perform in China again after her long ban for singing the Taiwanese national anthem at President Chen Shui-Bian's inauguration back in 2000.

According to several China web sites, the kissing scene had reportedly attracted complaints from the general public in China who demanded for the video to be banned.

Gay men have however expressed their approval of the wedding and kissing scenes on Internet forums.

"We are considered as the weaker voices in society. Sometimes people give us dirty looks when we go out. In the video you can see that everyone is happy for the gay couple and gives their blessing to them and I think it's really cool," said one gay man.

One of three love stories portrayed in the video, the gay wedding party was held in the courtyard of a traditional rural home and attended by family, children and friends. The couple also received blessings from their aged parents, friends and relatives.

Although the video has not been officially banned, the Cultural ministry officials have stated that any sensitive scenes will be cut before being shown in China.

Warner Music Taiwan and MTV Asia have said that they are aware of the sensitivities involved and will broadcast the edited version.

In response to the situation, the star who is actively involved in charity and disaster hardship aid, said in Chinese that the greatest force in this world is loving without boundaries and regardless of gender; and the title of album Maybe Tomorrow is an expression of her wish to spread music and love to all people to give them spiritual strength and hope to face tomorrow's challenges.

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