China is a communist dictatorship. This fact governed their response to the outbreak of the disease, which basically amounted to initial attempts at cover-up and denial. However, you cannot expect anything else from a country where there are no check and balances, and where there is no viable political opposition. Moreover, the ensuing disruptions in Europe, North America and elsewhere have only been bad news for the Chinese export industry. With global economy in chaos, China cannot stop its economy from slowing down. And when its economy has problems, the Chinese communist party faces increased pressure. So, I don't think they plotted to have this unleashed on the world.

I don't really get this idea whereby religion/race can RUIN the relationship. If anything, they can be an obstacle to forming a relationship. Once you're in a relationship with someone of different race or religion, I fail to see how either of the two can suddenly become an issue. After all, you had previously noticed the color of your prospective partner's skin and had sufficiently engaged with them to have an idea of their religious, political and other views. If not, you were primarily guided by your dick and never were in a relationship in the first place. But in that case, why blame religion or race when your superficiality is actually the problem.

@herbert967:

I hope this really changes Russia for the better.

Of course it will change Russia. Especially now that the Russian people have overwhelmingly voted in a referendum to grant Putin the power to remain president until 2036. Very encouraging news indeed for gay and straight people both in Russia and elsewhere.  :blownose:

Already married.

If you are in a committed relationship, it is the easiest way to settle a number of legal issues and cater for many things that may arise in the future (inheritance, social security, health coverage, etc).

As for the terminology (ie husband) or the actual ceremony, I couldn't have cared less.

Though a surprising decision, I don't think it matters much. Russian public opinion and their lawmakers are strongly opposed to LGBTI people. Just like in Poland and increasingly Hungary, gay-bashing is a great way to entertain general public, while allowing the political class to preserve the status quo. The same pattern can be seen in a number of western countries too, the topic may just be different - Brexit/EU in the UK, immigration in Italy, France, the US etc. Why expect your politicians to solve actual problems when you can just as well be entertained by ideological fog?

If cold, only with the t-shirt on, otherwise naked.

If sleeping over, long johns and t-shirt