The Foreign Service Journal, June 2004

partner to the embassy’s refusal to invite same-sex MOHs to official functions or to handle MOH mail — all items that are covered by the current guidance and thus should not be problematic. In some cases, these problems occur because the newness and vagueness of the policy make embassy officials uncertain about implementation, leading them to drag their feet. This is particularly true regarding visa requests on behalf of MOHs in more socially conservative countries. As one FS specialist notes, the regulations can easily be interpreted to mean, “Take no action if you somehow think there might be a negative reaction by the host government.” But in other cases, there is little doubt that the problems are within an embassy or bureau. One FSO in a European embassy tried to get a residency permit for his partner, but ran into a bureaucratic quagmire. People at Main State insisted that the request to the host country required “seventh floor clear- ance,” which took months to get. The diplomatic note that was eventually sent was worded in such a negative way that it virtual- ly asked the host country to deny the FSO’s request — which is what the host government did. “The State Department’s efforts were obstructive and downright damaging,” the FSO concluded. Another FSO found that the U.S. embassy at which he was stationed was consistently hostile and uncoop- erative toward any requests he made on behalf of his same-sex partner. Violating MOH policy, for example, M E M B E R S O F H O U S E H O L D J U N E 2 0 0 4 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 23 Over the decades, the Foreign Service, like a bureaucratic Cupid, has been responsible for hundreds of marriages. SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE AMERICA S I NCE 1 9 7 1 2004 represents our 34 th year helping to maintain America’s fleet of vehicles throughout the world. All of us at D & M consider it an honor to have worked with all of you through these years. We are aware of the importance of your official and private vehicles, forklifts, generators, tools and equipment. We look forward to continuing this service in a professional manner. We are here to help, just ask! Gary Vlahov www.dmauto.com (516) 822-6662; FAX: (516) 822-5020; E-mail: info@dmauto.com