Early Wednesday morning, Beijing police detained nine gay rights activists, just before they were due to participate in a conference on establishing gay rights in China. Three of them were still under arrest Wednesday evening.

The police arrested them without any warrants and ‘invited’ them for questioning. Qiang from Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays in China said they were questioned on the nature of the conference and were even ordered to call all participants and cancel the event.

The conference was to be held to discuss the issue of forming legally approved gay and lesbian rights groups, after a Changsha based group’s registration application was rejected last year. “The police have overreacted” said Qiang, “We just want to explain the difficulties of gay rights groups and to promote equality among people of different sexual orientation."
Shuangyushu, Xiangheyuan and Huayuan Road police stations have declined to offer any comment.  

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Keywords: Beijing Police Arrest Gay Rights Activists