Gay kiss in music video sparks furor in Taiwan

Taiwanese dance-music diva A-Mei has come under fire for her new controversial music video, which shows two men kissing, according to Fridae.com. In the music video of her latest album's lead single, "Love Is the Only Thing," one of the three love stories portrayed is a gay wedding party, held in the courtyard of a traditional rural home and attended by family, children, and friends. The couple is also seen receiving blessings from their aged parents, friends, and relatives. According to several Web sites, the kissing scene had reportedly attracted complaints from the general public in mainland China. The tender scene has caused such a furor in Asia that there have been talks that the video will be banned, especially in mainland China. Warner Music Taiwan and MTV Asia have said that they are aware of the sensitivities involved and will broadcast an edited version. Controversy is not new to A-Mei. In 2000 the singer was barred from performing and selling records in mainland China after she sang the Taiwanese national anthem for the inauguration of President Chen Shui-Bian. That ban was lifted only recently. In response to her critics, A-Mei, who is actively involved in charity and disaster hardship aid, said that the greatest force in this world is loving without boundaries and regardless of gender. She added that the title of her new album, Maybe Tomorrow, is an expression of her wish to spread music and love to all people to give them spiritual strength and hope to face tomorrow's challenges.