"Some of our children have been living together with their same-sex partners for nearly 10 years. They care for each other and love each other. However, if one of them falls ill and needs surgery, his or her partner cannot even sign the surgery consent letter according to the current law."

An open letter calling for modifications to the Marriage Law to allow same-sex marriage nationwide, co-written by more than 100 parents whose children are gay men and lesbians, has been submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, reported Southern Metropolis Daily on Wednesday. The letter said gay men and lesbians face many difficulties, including adopting a child and purchasing houses.

(China Daily 02/28/2013 page2)