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THE rich and famous will soon have a much harder time getting around the one-child policy.
The National Population and Family Planning Commission plans to introduce heavy penalties for rich or celebrity couples who have more than one child. A recent study has shown that many rich and famous people have a second illegal child, and that 10 percent have a third.
The measures include heavy fines, public disgracing (putting their names on a \"shame list\") and banning them from getting honors and awards. The government is working with industry and commerce groups on the policy.
Officials cite \"celebrity effect\" and the importance of promoting social equality as reasons for the proposed rule.
Celebrities have a special influence on society and should have greater responsibility, the reasoning goes. Their fame and wealth also allow them to get away with much more than ordinary people, hence the steeper fines. But does this line of reasoning really hold water? Do the new rules make any sense at all? |
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