First ever Chinese gay workplace discrimination lawsuit ‘will definitely have an impact’
What is believed to be the first ever lawsuit over anti-gay workplace discrimination has taken place in a Chinese court.
The case, which is already being hailed as ground breaking for the country, alleges that the plaintiff was fired from his job after he was revealed as gay in a viral online video.
A lawyer, Liu Xiaohu, acting on behalf of the man said: “We’re very optimistic”, and that the case “will definitely have an impact” on gay rights in China.
The case was heard last week in the Nanshan District People’s Court in the southern city of Shenzhen.
It was filed in November by the man, who was only identified using the pseudonym Mu Yi. He was filmed in October by police, as he had an argument with another gay man in a street in Shenzhen.
A week later, Mu was sacked form his job as a designer. He seeks 50,000 yuan in compensation, and an apology.
His former employer, however, said it dismissed him because of having “poor service attitude”, and for wearing inappropriate clothing.
The Chinese officer of PFLAG hailed it as the first lawsuit of its kind to take place in China.
A ruling is expected within three months.
