A new term has become popular recently among Chinese Internet users: "naked marriage". And no, this isn't a kinky new trend. In fact it refers to people who go against the grain here in China and get married before they own things like a car or house and without all the trappings of a full on marriage ceremony. These couples are happy simply with a photo of the two of them and a marriage certificate.
The trend has caused a lot of debate here in China, where owning a house and a car are seen by many as prerequisites to marriage. The China Youth Daily website has carried out a poll on this subject, asking people whether or not they support the idea of a naked marriage.
Today David Moser invites guests to the debate gay marriage in China. Will China follow other countries in allowing gays to marry? Or does China's traditional culture make such a possibility remote?
California's decision to ban same sex marriage may have been a set back for the gay rights movement, but here in China the gay community is becoming ever more vocal. On Valentine's Day, campaigners took to the streets in Beijing's historic Qianmen district, just south of Tiananmen Square to call for the legalization of same sex marriage and a greater acceptance of homosexuality. Male and female couples, dressed in their wedding best, staged mock photo shoots drawing gasps, smiles and the odd scowl for passersby.