By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In China, a widespread crackdown on “boys love” (BL) fiction has resulted in numerous female writers being summoned and potentially facing detention, fines, or imprisonment for publishing their work online. Many of these writers, often university students, published their stories on the Taiwanese website Haitang, and some have reported significant financial and emotional distress resulting from the legal action. Authorities cite outdated laws on “digitally obscene” content as justification, despite homosexuality not being illegal in China. Legal experts offer varying interpretations of the government’s motivations, with some suggesting a connection to policies aimed at increasing fertility rates, while others point to expanded surveillance of subcultures and restrictions on freedom of speech.
Read the original article here
Police in China are arresting female authors of homosexual novels as part of a broader crackdown on “boys love” (BL) fiction. This action highlights the Chinese government’s ongoing efforts to control the dissemination of content deemed morally objectionable, even within the realm of fiction. The arrests are occurring despite the fact that BL fiction, often featuring romantic relationships between men, has previously enjoyed a degree of popularity and even commercial success within China.
The arrests raise questions about the enforcement of China’s 2010 regulations on “digitally obscene” content. These regulations criminalize the production and distribution of obscene material exceeding specific online viewership or revenue thresholds. While the application of these laws to BL fiction might seem arbitrary to some, it reflects a broader concern within the government about content that challenges traditional values.
These crackdowns are not solely focused on BL fiction; they encompass a range of material considered “obscene” or harmful. The specific charges brought against authors often go beyond mere depictions of homosexual relationships, sometimes including accusations of depicting rape or non-consensual acts, raising questions about the nature of the prosecutions and whether the charges are a pretext for broader censorship.
The severity of the punishments – like Liu Tingting’s ten-year sentence – underscores the Chinese government’s intolerance for such content. While some authors might be facing charges related to tax evasion or money laundering, there’s a clear implication that the content of their writing is a major factor in their prosecution. This suggests a selective enforcement approach, targeting specific genres and platforms, regardless of other potential legal violations.
The situation in China raises concerns about freedom of expression and artistic freedom. While the Chinese government’s motivations might be rooted in concerns about morality, social stability, or the influence of Western ideas, the impact on artists and readers is significant. The silencing of authors and the suppression of specific genres represents a notable restriction on creativity and cultural expression.
This censorship isn’t unique to China; there are parallels in other countries, including proposed legislation in the United States that would severely restrict the production and distribution of pornography. This legislation, often framed around protecting children, raises concerns about the potential for overreach and the suppression of expression under the guise of protecting minors.
The situation in China is complex and multifaceted, influenced by cultural factors, economic concerns, and political considerations. While the arrests might be justified based on existing laws, it’s difficult to ignore the underlying issue of censorship and restriction of artistic expression. This situation should be evaluated as a violation of human rights, separate from any comparative analyses with other countries’ approaches to censorship or morality laws.
Despite the economic success and cultural impact some BL fiction has achieved in China – such as the popular “Mo Dao Zu Shi” – the government’s crackdown underscores the inherent risks for creators working within a tightly controlled environment. The authorities’ selective tolerance, previously overlooking the massive profits generated by BL media, only to suddenly enforce regulations strongly, highlights the unpredictable nature of the regulatory environment.
The controversy surrounding BL fiction in China is a stark example of the challenges faced by artists and creators working under authoritarian regimes. The ongoing debate over censorship, the power of expression, and the role of morality in the regulation of art remains a significant topic of discussion worldwide. The Chinese government’s actions serve as a cautionary tale, underscoring the need for a nuanced understanding of the interplay between political power, cultural expression, and the rights of individuals to create and consume art.
Ultimately, the arrests of these female authors raise fundamental questions about artistic freedom, the limits of government control, and the complex relationship between culture and politics within a rapidly changing global landscape. The ongoing crackdown highlights the need for careful consideration of the potential consequences of such actions, not only for the authors themselves, but for the broader cultural and artistic environment.