A new filtering software that automatically blocks websites discussing homosexuality has triggered protests from the country's lesbians and gays, the Beijing News reports.

The report quoted Guangdong branch company of China Telecom, one of the country's main internet service providers, as saying that the "green filtering software" which was somehow put in place without prior application and confirmation of its clients has blocked a majority of government-sponsored websites that provide authoritative information on HIV/AIDS prevention and common knowledge about homosexuality.

A man surnamed Liu who is the webmaster of a blocked website said the filter has resulted in the direct loss of the internet surfers on his website, thus reducing the potential effect of HIV/AIDS prevention information.

Some netizens have said the move discriminates against homosexuals.

According to Aotain, a Shenzhen-based software developer in Guangdong province, the software has been introduced in 40 cities in the southern part of the country and is intended to prevent contents that contain pornography and violence so as to ensure the sound development of children.

The company also refused a recent request by a homosexual social networking website to lift the restriction, saying this type of website is not what youngsters needed.

He Qun, a professional from the Guangdong Provincial Disease Prevention and Control Center, said homosexual websites provide a very good platform to publicize tips on HIV prevention and make it possible for medical workers to stay in touch with this group of people.