A former Conservative MP in the UK has attacked a top judge's decision that allows two gay asylum seekers the right to stay and settle in the UK.
Writing in the often homophobic Daily Express newspaper, Ms Ann Widdecombe said the recent decision was "absurd" and claimed the pair should not have been given asylum here as neither was facing immediate risk of death or imprisonment.
She wrote the two men "seem to have wanted to come here merely so that they can be overt about their lifestyles" continuing "Many can sympathise with such an aspiration but it is a far cry from proof of individual danger. Was either about to be arrested?" She added, "The asylum system is the most abused gateway to life in the West and in particular to Britain. Other countries, bound by the same Convention, take a more summary approach to anything except the serious refugee."
It's been reported in the media that the men, one from Iran and one from Cameroon, were told by the UK Border Agency that they could return home and live safely if they were "discreet" and hid their sexual orientation. Yet both countries criminalise homosexuality and human rights groups report many many cases of gays and lesbians being persecuted there.
The Daily Express is also under fire for it's coverage of the story, the press ccomplaints commission confirmed yesterday they had taken a number of complaints over the coverage. The number was up to 72 against the paper yesterday, although more are expected. The commission now has to decide if the complaints fell within the remit of its its editors' code of practice, which includes discrimination and accuracy.
Jason Shaw
United Kingdom Correspondent
GayAgenda.com
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