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Lib Dems call for halt on deportations
Liberal Democrats
New Lib Dem motion backs gay asylum seekers
"The party attacked the Home Secretary's assertion early this year that gay people who act 'discreetly' in countries such as Iran will not face persecution "
The government's treatment of LGBT asylum seekers was called into question at a Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth this weekend.
The party attacked the Home Secretary's assertion early this year that gay people who act 'discreetly' in countries such as Iran will not face persecution once they have been deported from Britain.
Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said:
"This country has a proud tradition of providing sanctuary to those fleeing tyranny and oppression. It is about time that practice was extended to gay and lesbian people escaping deeply unpleasant homophobic regimes."
The issue of gay asylum seekers was brought to the centre of the party conference's agenda after John Bosco Nyombi, a gay man from Uganda, was recently refused asylum. He claims that he will face great danger if he returns to his home country.
Gay equality organisation Stonewall fully supports the motion passed at the Liberal Democrat conference to halt the deportation of LGBT asylum seekers. Derek Munn, director of public affairs, stated:
"Stonewall is pleased that the Liberal Democrats have put an issue of concern to lesbian and gay people centre stage on their conference agenda.
"In passing the motion they have reflected the widespread concern that lesbian and gay asylum seekers should be dealt with fairly and compassionately."
