Fridae

Taipei City Government has apologised again for the 3 October police search of a gay bar and said it will draw on LGBTQ+ groups’ views when preparing enforcement guidelines.

The city’s 29 October statement updates the progress of its administrative investigation. Its report is complete and the National Police Agency has recently replied, it said. The city says a separate criminal complaint, filed on 7 October, remains under investigation by Taipei prosecutors.

Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua had already raised the need for guidance on 22 October. Thursday’s response says LGBTQ+ groups’ views will feed into the instructions being planned for police. It also promises clear information for citizens: how to ask why officers are taking action, explain their needs, keep relevant records and get help.

The city said affected people could find legal and psychological support resources through its LGBT+ information portal, with its information line helping refer people to free city legal advice and community mental-health services.

Its apology acknowledged that LGBTQ+ gathering places provide support and a sense of belonging, and that unequal treatment, humiliation and exposure of people’s identities can leave lasting hurt.

Rights groups had called for an independent investigation with outside oversight. The new statement gives no timetable for the guidelines and does not announce publication of an externally supervised report.