Hong Kong's Airport and Transit System Initially Banned an Ad Featuring a Gay Couple

They reversed the decision after backlash

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Hong Kong’s Airport Authority and its mass transit system, MTR recently banned an ad featuring a gay couple holding hands while walking on the beach. While an ad of this nature wouldn’t turn heads in New York, it caused quite a stir in Hong Kong, where LGBT rights trail behind many Western countries (the city has still yet to legalize same-sex marriage).

The ad in question is part of Cathay Pacific airline’s new “Move Beyond” campaign, a tagline that the brand is describing as a “call to action” that reflects its determination to challenge what is considered standard or expected.

Yet the messaging apparently didn’t go over well with Hong Kong’s airport and subway operators, both of which rejected the ad, according to a report from the South China Morning Post. Both organizations were mum on details as to why the ad was banned, with the MTR placing blame on JCDecaux, its outdoor...

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