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Singapore bans Jolin Tsai lesbian wedding video from TV and radio broadcast

Singapore’s media watchdog has banned a music video from pay-TV and free-to-air television and radio broadcasts because it contains homosexual themes, prompting a mixed response from viewers in the conservative city-state.

Kissing scene from Jolin Tsai video

Kissing scene from Jolin Tsai’s ‘We’re all different, yet the same’ video

The music video ‘We’re all different, yet the same’ by Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai ends with a kiss between Tsai and actress Ruby Lin as they get married.

In a statement shared with the Straits Times newspaper, the Media Development Authority said: “In response to recent queries on the suitability of the song for broadcast, MDA advised the local broadcasters that they should not air the song and music video on channels that are freely accessed by younger viewers due to its mature content. This decision was reached after consultation with MDA’s Publications Consultative Panel, which comprises Singaporeans from a wide cross-section of society.”

Singapore’s broadcast code states that music associated with what it describes as “alternative lifestyles” are not allowed. The MDA defines drug use and worship of the devil in the same way.

The music is allowed, however, in shopping centres “with the requisite consumer advice”, according to the story in the ST. It is also on sale in Singapore, featuring on a Jolin Tsai album.

The response to the ban has been mixed with some suggesting the move only succeeds in driving up more views on YouTube for the video.

Others thanked the MDA for its touch action. One commenter wrote beneath Straits Times’ story: “Thank you MDA for banning such songs and music videos. Finally you did something right to prevent our young people and children from being corrupted by these performers promoting alternative lifestyles that are very harmful to society.”

The four-minute music video is still available for viewing on YouTube in Singapore.

The video has been viewed 7.3 million times at the time of reporting.

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