Taiwan's political parties, organizations protest against persecution of mainland-born spouses

TAIPEI, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's political parties and organizations, including the New Party, on Saturday took to the streets in Taipei to protest against the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' persecution of mainland-born spouses in Taiwan.

Words of support for the legitimate rights and interests of mainland spouses were printed on clothes and banners, and protesters chanted slogans denouncing the groundless mandates the DPP authorities have issued against them.

The DPP authorities have required mainland residents who are married to people born in Taiwan to retroactively submit proof of mainland household registration loss within a certain time frame, or risk losing their right to reside in Taiwan.

The move has drawn widespread criticism from all sectors of Taiwan's society. They have condemned the DPP's ideology-driven bullying and discriminatory practices against members of the public, as well as its intent to create hatred and confrontation, and have demanded an end to this unjust infringement on the rights and interests of mainland-born spouses in Taiwan.

Saturday's protest was also joined by members of the Chinese Unification Promotion Party and the Labor Party in Taiwan, as well as people from other cities such as Kaohsiung and Tainan. ■