By Gary Raynaldo   DIPLOMATIC TIMES 

The State Department reversed course on its visa requirements for same-sex partners of foreign diplomats and the staff of U.S.-based international organizations. Last month, it implemented a policy denying visas to such partners if they’re not legally married.  Married same-sex spouses –like opposite-sex spouses – will still be eligible to enter the country, but it remains illegal in most countries around the world for same-sex couples to wed. A memo to staff at the UN headquarters in New York explains the new policy, which took effect, dictating that couples must be married to qualify for visas.  Since 2009, heterosexual domestic partners have not been able to get visas. However, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton allowed same-sex domestic partners of diplomats and foreign staff to accompany their partners to the United States. 

The new policy that is in effect gives partners currently in the US until 31 December to leave, get married or otherwise change their visa.

The new Trump administration policy update was circulated in a United Nations (UN) memo. The memo states: “As of 1 October 2018, same-sex domestic partners accompanying or seeking to join newly arrived United Nations officials must provide proof of marriage to be eligible for a G-4 visa or to seek a change into such status.”   At the moment, some 25 countries have recognized same-sex marriage. Homosexuality remains illegal in 71 countries. 

Former US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power decried the policy, calling it “needlessly cruel and bigoted”.