6 Taipei police officers disciplined over misconduct in gay bar raid

Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) The Taipei City Police Department has disciplined six officers over misconduct during a raid on a gay bar in the capital's Ximending area Saturday, city police Commissioner Lin Yen-tien (林炎田) said Monday.

Four officers were found to have used inappropriate language during the raid and each received two reprimands, while the lead investigator at the scene was given a demerit for failing to promptly stop the remarks, Lin said at a press conference.

Wanhua Precinct chief Chen Yung-hua (陳勇華) was also disciplined, Lin said, noting that Chen had requested two reprimands over inadequate supervision and that the request was approved.

The precinct conducted the raid on a BDSM-themed gay bar in Ximending on Saturday night. People at the scene alleged that police used excessive force, violated procedures, and made discriminatory and degrading remarks toward people with disabilities.

The incident prompted a protest rally Sunday, with an estimated 500 participants demanding an apology from the police.

Gender equality groups also issued a joint statement that day calling for a thorough investigation and describing the incident as discriminatory toward sexual minorities and reminiscent of their history of oppression.

Police explanation

At Monday's press conference, Lin said the raid was lawful and conducted under a court-issued search warrant in response to reports of suspected violations of public morality.

He explained that the venue had been the subject of 13 complaints this year alleging activities that violated public decency.

Lin acknowledged that several officers had made inappropriate remarks and pledged to strengthen training on diversity and cultural awareness to better protect citizens' rights and prevent similar incidents.

The police department said in a statement that officers found people naked at the venue and discovered used condoms. They took 51 people, including the person in charge of the venue and naked customers, to the police station to give statements.

The customers were released after giving statements, while the person in charge of the venue was referred to prosecutors on suspicion of public indecency, police said.

The Wanhua Precinct also conducted raids on 16 businesses that night as part of planned routine inspections. None was a last-minute addition or specifically targeted at a particular group, the department said.

Mayor vs. mayoral candidate

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安), who is seeking reelection in November as the Kuomintang candidate, said Monday that people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations and identities should be protected and enjoy equal rights.

Chiang described the incident as regrettable and said any misconduct during law enforcement would be thoroughly reviewed and police discipline would be strengthened. He also apologized to those affected, saying Taiwan has always been a diverse, inclusive and gay-friendly city.

He made the remarks when asked whether Taipei remained a gay-friendly city ahead of the city's gay pride parade later this month.

Democratic Progressive Party candidate for Taipei mayor Puma Shen (沈伯洋), meanwhile, wrote on social media that while police enforcement should be respected, the methods used by police should also be subject to scrutiny.

The public has a right to know the basis and limits of police enforcement and how authorities protect people's dignity when exercising their powers, he said.

"For groups that have experienced discrimination and stigma, even a remark or gesture can evoke memories of being treated as outsiders," Shen said.

Concerns among regional LGBTQ+ groups

The incident has also sparked concerns among some members of Southeast Asia's LGBTQ+ communities, who questioned whether Taiwan remained "a safe and friendly" travel destination.

Ryan Silverio, executive director of the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, a regional organization that advances LGBTQIA+ human rights, told CNA that Southeast Asia is generally considered a conservative region, with some countries hostile toward LGBTQ people.

While Taiwan has been regarded as relatively safe and has become a key tourism destination for queer travelers, the police raid at a popular LGBTQ+ venue in Taipei "may raise concerns about safety," he said.

Similar concerns were raised by Midnight Poonkasetwattana, an executive board member of the Bangkok-based APCOM Foundation, which advocates for the health and rights of gay and transgender people in the Asia-Pacific region.

Midnight told CNA that with Taipei preparing to host Taiwan Pride on Oct. 31, queer communities would be watching the government's response and seeking assurances about how it is working with and supporting local queer communities "so that LGBTQI+ locals and visitors are safe, protected, and not discriminated against."