[新聞] 同性配偶申請美簽將獲平等待遇
來源:紐時
這項政策立即生效，日後合法結婚的同性配偶，例如持工作簽或學生簽，
伴侶可以申請美簽跟著過去，美國務院比照異性配偶申請的處理方式辦理
http://0rz.tw/TwmjB
New U.S. Policy Gives Equal Treatment to Same-Sex Spouses’ Visa Applications
LONDON — The United States will treat the visa applications of same-sex
married couples in the same manner as opposite-sex spouses, Secretary of
State John Kerry said Friday, announcing a policy change set in motion in
June, after the Supreme Court struck down a law against same-sex marriage.
“Effective immediately, when same-sex spouses apply for a visa, the
Department of State will consider that application in the same manner that it
will consider the application of opposite-sex spouses,” Mr. Kerry announced
at the American Embassy here.
“If you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, your visa application will be
treated equally,” he said. “If you are the spouse of a noncitizen, your
visa application will be treated equally.”
The change was hailed by gay rights groups. “We are relieved and pleased,”
said Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality, a lobbying
group. “It brings a clarity that gay and lesbian couples around the world
have been waiting for.”
On June 26, the Supreme Court struck down a section of the Defense of
Marriage Act; the law defined marriage as a union between a man and woman.
Since then, Ms. Tiven said, same-sex couples have been showing up at American
embassies and consulates around the world seeking visas only to be told that
until there was official guidance from the State Department, no action could
be taken. “There was a lot of frustration,” she said.
After the ruling, President Obama asked federal agencies to review their
policies. Mr. Kerry said Friday that his announcement was the result of that
review.
Mr. Kerry said the State Department was “tearing down an unjust and an
unfair barrier that for too long stood in the way of same-sex families being
able to travel as a family to the United States.”
“This is one of those moments when policy and values join together,” said
Mr. Kerry, who noted that he had voted against the Defense of Marriage Act as
a senator.
Mr. Kerry spoke shortly after arriving in London from Pakistan. He later met
here with the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin
Zayed al-Nahyan, with plans to discuss Egypt, Syria and other Middle East
issues.
England and Wales have legalized same-sex marriage starting next year. More
than a dozen countries have adopted laws legalizing same-sex marriage.
“One of our important exports by far is America’s belief in the equality of
all people,” Mr. Kerry said.
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夜晚的鳥群剝啄初升的星子
閃爍如我愛你之時的心靈。
夜晚在朦朧的牝馬之上奔馳
在大地上蛻落著藍色的纓繸。
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