UK sees Gay Asylum Seekers Win Right to Stay in the Country

Apparently two gay refugees who were refused asylum have been able to win their appeals at the highest court in the land. Apparently the two men were first told that they could return back to their own land and avoid being persecuted if they kept their relationship discreet.

The new coalition government has already promised to review the policy before the Supreme Court ruling on the matter. One of the men that is involve in the case, known as “T”, appealed against the decision that he could return to his native Cameron despite the fact that he was attacked by a mob after he was seen kissing a male partner.

The other man, who is known as “J”, from Iran, was also told that he could be expected to tolerate conditions in his homeland that have been brought on due to his homosexual relationship. They told him that he should behave more discreetly to avoid reprisals.

Apparently punishment for homosexuality ranges from public flogging to execution in Iran. In Cameroon, jail sentences for homosexually range from six months to five years. However, the Court of Appeal has found that both men could conceal their sexual orientation to avoid the risk of being persecuted. The Court of Appeal said that neither of the men had a well founded fear of persecution, which entitled them to be protected under the UN Convention for refugees.

However, Supreme Court justices found that the test applied by the Court of Appeal was contrary to the Convention and should not be followed in the future. Both cases will be sent back for reconsideration in light of the guidance of the Supreme Court.