China resident
imprisoned over gay sex parties

A gay China resident has been sentenced to one year in prison for organizing a gay sex party through the Internet, the China Daily reports. The man, surnamed Zou, was convicted in the Chongwen District people's court in Beijing.

Zou was reportedly inspired to organize a party after reading about a "gay hotel" on the Internet. He set up a Web site, Beijing Sky, in April 2005 and advertised a "Hot Dream Party for Cool Beijing Boys" who allegedly provided illegal sex services at his house. "Since the ad was published in April 2005, more and more people joined the parties. I was mainly in charge of getting people together and providing a venue and music. I charged membership fees ranging from RMB 30 to 50," Zou told police.

After receiving reports from the public at 10 p.m. on November 11, 2005, police quickly moved to close the gay party down and Zou was arrested, the Daily reports. "Ten suspected criminals, all males, were engaging in illegal sex activities, " the police reported. "Zou's behavior constituted a crime of promoting promiscuity."

The judge in the case remarked, "Although people today are gradually becoming more free to follow their sexual preferences, that doesn't mean the law will indulge them. People should choose healthy and proper lifestyles." (The Advocate)