Champion of Morality: China Outlaws TV Scenes Contradicting 'Common Values'

China Television Production Committee on Thursday issued guidelines requiring all television drama to exclude contents showing “immoral” behavior, such as "uncommon sexual relationships" and "unhealthy marriage values," the Shanghai Daily newspaper reported.

BEIJING (Sputnik) — According to the new guidelines, all television series in China are required to exclude contents involving same-sex romance, extramarital affairs, underage love and other concepts allegedly discrediting China's “common values,” the paper reported.

The authorities outlawed detailed crime investigation scenes to be shown on television, allegedly in a bid to prevent inspiring criminals, the paper reported.

The prohibition also concerns scenes depicting reincarnation and witchcraft, according to the paper.

Underage love, smoking, drinking and fighting were also prohibited from television screens. The authorities reportedly cited potential “bad influences on juveniles” as a reason for the ban.