Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

pampango

(24,692 posts)
Mon Apr 8, 2013, 09:44 AM Apr 2013

Anticipation Over China Visit by Iceland’s Leader (and Her Wife) - Has a ice ring to it!


Johanna Sigurdardottir, the prime minister of Iceland, in the Culture House in Reykjavik.

(A)ccording to an announcement by the prime minister’s office in Reykjavik on Saturday: “The Prime Minister of Iceland, Johanna Sigurdardottir, and her wife, Jonina Leosdottir, will be on an official visit to China on 15-18 April.” Ms. Sigurdardottir is the world’s first openly gay prime minister.

Will China’s state media show Jonina Leosdottir, the wife of the prime minister of Iceland, Johanna Sigurdardottir, during an official visit to China in mid-April? If so, how will she be portrayed, with China’s apparent conversion to First Ladyism on display in the recent high profile given to the wife of President Xi Jinping, the singer Peng Liyuan?

Proponents of gay marriage here plan to watch closely how the state broadcaster, CCTV, handles coverage of the Icelandic visit, since gay marriage is not legal in China but there is pressure from some parts of society to legalize it. In recent years, many gay couples have held unofficial betrothal ceremonies around the country.

While in China, Ms. Sigurdardottir will meet with Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Mr. Li’s predecessor, Wen Jiabao, the Icelandic prime minister’s office said. She is also due to sign a free trade agreement with China that has been six years in the making, the office said.

http://rendezvous.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/08/anticipation-over-china-visit-by-icelands-leader-and-her-wife/

It will be enlightenting to see how Prime Minister Sigurdardottir and her wife are received in every country they visit starting with China.
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Anticipation Over China V...