TAIWAN – The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has confirmed in a statement that same-sex spouses of foreign diplomats are not entitled to full diplomatic privilege and immunity in Taiwan.
The news channel Focus Taiwan reported that the statement was made after an anonymous diplomatic official complained to local media that his same-sex partner was not being offered a diplomatic visa.
MOFA spokesperson James Chang told the media this was “in accordance with the existing law, but the ministry will examine how other countries handle such situations.”
According to a report in the Chinese language United Daily News the same-sex spouse of the diplomat in question was issued an Alien Residence Certificate (ARC) – an ID card for foreign residents in Taiwan – and not a diplomatic ID.
Very few countries have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan as China refuses to have relations with states that recognize the country.
Taiwan currently does not recognize same-sex marriage.
