Spreading LGBT Content, Dozens Of WeChat Accounts Are Closed By Managers

JAKARTA - China's most popular social media service, WeChat, has removed accounts on LGBT topics run by students and non-governmental groups. The post sparked concerns the ruling Communist Party might tighten controls over gay and lesbian content.

WeChat sends a notification to account holders that they are violating the rules but does not provide details. According to the founder of the LGBT group, who asked not to be named for fear of possible retaliation, dozens of accounts were closed. Everything was deleted around 10pm. on Tuesday, July 6th.

It is unclear whether the move was officially ordered by Chinese authorities. But the shutdown comes as the ruling party tightens political control and tries to silence groups who might criticize its rule.

WeChat operator Tencent Holding Ltd. confirmed it had received an email requesting comment but did not immediately respond.

The Communist Party decriminalized homosexuality in 1997, but gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals and other sexual minorities still face discrimination. Although there has been more public discussion on the matter, some LGBT activities have been blocked by the authorities.

WeChat account content, which includes personal stories and photos of group events, was removed, according to the group's founder. The former operator of a different student group, who also asked not to be named, called the move a blow.

According to the founder of the LGBT group in China, university officials asked students two months ago to shut down LGBT social media groups or avoid mentioning the name of their school. He said universities in the eastern province of Jiangsu were told by officials to investigate women's rights groups and sexual minorities to "maintain stability."

According to state media, the survey shows there are about 70 million LGBT people in China, or about five percent of the population.

Some LGBT groups are said to have organized film festivals and other public events, but the numbers have dwindled.

One of the most notable, Shanghai Pride, canceled its event last year and canceled future plans without explanation after 11 years of operation.

According to the official Xinhua news agency, China's legislature received advice from the public about legalizing same-sex marriage two years ago. However, it gave no indication of whether legislators would take action to approve the suggestion.