Reports that a prisoner has applied to marry his long-time girlfriend have evoked intense public debate, according to a Beijing Star Daily article.

Wang Xiaoqin, 24, is the mother of the pair's six-year-old daughter. She and the child's father, Dai Yu, had not registered for marriage by the time Dai was jailed several years ago.

But their recent application to marry has caused controversy, as the country has no laws governing such a situation.

Those in favour say that approving the marriage will be good for the prisoner's rehabilitation and, therefore, good for social stability.

But those opposed argue that "imprisonment" means the deprivation of personal freedoms.

If a prisoner is allowed to marry, they ask, will they also be allowed to enjoy the privileges of marital life accorded to normal couples?

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