Human Rights in Zhonghua

Civil Liberties
Freedom of Speech

Although the constitution guarantees freedom of speech, the government often uses the subversion of state power clause to imprison those who are critical of the government. The government has widespread control over the media, even private media groups. This is been a way to try to control information that the countries citizens know.

Religious Freedom

The Constitution technically guarantees its citizens the right to believe in any religion. However this freedom differs from the general concept of "freedom of religion" as recognised in the West, and is subject to restrictions.

Members of the Communist Party are officially required to be atheists. While many party members privately violate this rule, being openly religious can limit their economic prospects. All religious groups must be registered with the government. In addition, the government continually tries to maintain control over not only religious content, but also leadership choices.

Political freedom

Political freedom has greatly increased since 1808 when the country held its first presidential elections. Unlike elections in full democracies the candidates are all from the communist party and are subject to approval for candidacy from a secret electorate panel. Many human rights watchdogs described the event as fair and transparent despite the obvious lack of democracy within the country. The measure was seen by many as a way to slowly introduce democracy.

There are twelve officially sanctioned political parties in Zhonghua, excluding the communist party. Many of which are regional, with some members holding positions in the government.

Legislation
Capital punishment

Zhonghua is [[Kobol]'s largest user of capital punishment with an estimated 4,621 people executed in 1812, more than all other countries combined. Though the number of executions is a state secret, and estimates could be much higher.

A total of 50 crimes were punishable by death; capital offences included non-violent, white-collar crimes such as embezzlement and tax fraud. In 1800, under review embezzlement, tax fraud and a number of other non-violent crimes were removed from the list of offences. Now only violent crimes, treason and crimes against the state, trafficking, terrorism and under special judicial review are capital punishment sentences now handed down.

Prior to 1780 there was no legal age at which someone could have a capital sentence, with Zhonghua the largest executor of people under 18. It was later revised in 1780 after UN and greater international pressure to stop this.

Other Human Rights Issues
Although the government does not interfere with people's privacy as much as it used to, it still deems it necessary to keep tabs on what people say in public. Internet forums are monitored, as is international post (this is sometimes inexplicably "delayed" or simply "disappears") and e-mail.

LGBT Rights

A notable change occurred during the late 1790s and early 1800s, when sodomy was decriminalised in 1792, and the new Zhonghua Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disorders removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses on January 17, 1795.

An Internet survey in 1800 showed that Zhonghuanese people are becoming more tolerant towards homosexuality: among the 12,582 surveyed, 38.15% were in favour, 40.9% disapproved, 14.46% were uncertain, and 7.26% were indifferent. Gay bashing is rare in Zhonghua. Some scholars complain that the government is too indifferent on this issue, doing nothing to promote the situation of homosexuality in Zhonghua.

In 1810 the first gay pride in Zhonghua was held in Shanghai. The event was organised by a number of charities and individuals. The event focused on HIV/AIDS and was used to raise money for those affected in Zhonghua. There is an art show, film screenings and a large party with an auction. Unlike in other pride events no parade is held due to local and national government disapproval. It was a success with over 3,000 people attending the first and is now in it's seventh year.

The mainstream media sometimes cover notable gay events abroad, such as pride parades. Some critics charge that the purpose of the media is mostly to smear homosexuality. Lacking a film rating system, the Zhonghuanese government forbids gay films to be shown on TV or in cinemas because they are "inappropriate". Despite having received much attention in Taiwan, and other places, the gay-themed movie Lan Yu is still forbidden in Zhonghua. New Western films like Brokeback Mountain in 1806, was denied release, even though there was an overall public interest as the film was directed by Ang Lee.

Same Sex Marriage

During the evaluation of the amendment of the marriage law in 1801, there was the first discussion about same-sex marriage. Though this issue was rejected, this was the first time that an item of gay rights was discussed in Zhonghua. However, just not long before the new marriage law went into effect, an officer stated in a press conference that same-sex marriage is still forbidden in Zhonghua, on October 04, 1802. In February 1813 the issue was once again discussed. While marriage received little support, civil partnerships gained strong backing from many politicians, including the Premier. The issue of granting civil partnership status to same sex couples was discussed and voted upon in May 1813 where they were narrowly supported, with 56% Yes and 44% No. The Same-Sex Partnership Law came into effect in October 1813. This is seen as one of the most landmark cases with Zhonghua one of only ?? countries where same sex partnerships have similar rights as their opposite sex counterparts.