In pictures: Marriage-seeking gay couple given cold shoulder
When Mayuyu and Elsie went to register their marriage at the Civil Affairs Bureau in Beijing’s Dongcheng district on February 25, an employee at the office rejected them flat. "There’s no registration for that," said the clerk, who coldly directed their questions to the municipal office, stood up and left.
As a lesbian couple living in Beijing, they were not in the least surprised.
"We expected this," Mayuyu, 27, told the Global Times, though admitting she was upset by stone-like attitude of the staff.
"We wanted to draw public attention to the issue of same-sex marriage and only want to be treated fairly," she said.
While attempting to register at the office, Mayuyu and 21-year old Elsie met China's popular actor and activist Pu Cunxin. Pu said that though everyone has the freedom to choose their own lives, it will take time for society to fully accept gay marriage.
At the same time, Pu urged the public to be more tolerant and understanding toward the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.
"No matter if gay marriage is protected by the law or not, city employees should still show them respect," said Pu.
