Trump administration to deny U.S visas to unmarried same-sex partners of UN diplomats

Exemption that recognised difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ couples around the world revoked under new rules.

Donald Trump’s administration has scrapped an exemption that allows the same-sex partners of United Nations (UN) diplomatic workers to receive visas without being married.

Under new rules, which came into force earlier this week, those who are unable to prove they have tied the knot by the end of December, would lose their right to legally reside in the United States.

«Same-sex spouses of U.S diplomats now enjoy the same rights and benefits as opposite-sex spouses», the U.S State Department said in a note to UN members when it announced the changes in July.