The different circumstances of divorced men and women reflect the oppression imposed on females by society, said Liu Bohong, a professor of gender studies.
"Men traditionally intend to choose a first-time bride, a virgin. Such preferences have led to a preference for being 'single' among women themselves," Liu said.
The suggestion may serve as a warning to gay men preparing to marry straight women, according to Zhang.
Although the proposed legislation is good news for the wives of gay men, it has caused a backlash from the gay community and provoked further debate over gay people's right to marry.
"I think allowing the wives of gay men to annul their marriages without providing support to their same-sex partners accordingly will squeeze us out," said "Xiao Xiao," a 24-year-old gay man.
More than 10 years after realizing his sexuality, the postgraduate student in Shanghai has not come out to his family. "The time is not ripe," he said.
The solution will rest in efforts to help end public discrimination against gay people as opposed to legislating the issue, said Hu Zhijun, executive director of PFLAG China, an organization dedicated to eliminating stigma surrounding sexual minorities.
This opinion was echoed by Chen Wei, a professor at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law.
Chen said the court's suggestion deprives homosexuals of right to marry, adding that homosexuals' desire to have families and children should be protected by law.
Another legal specialist, Liang Wenyong, expressed disagreement.
"In my opinion, homosexuals are obliged to tell their would-be spouses about their sexual orientation or the marriage will inevitably inflict pain on the heterosexual partner," said Liang, a researcher at the China University of Political Science and Law, adding that he is in favor of legislation to help the unwitting heterosexual spouses.
Photos: Cities and villages surrounded by pollution
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