Homosexual refugees forced to “prove” sexuality

Refugees are going as far as to film themselves having sex to prove their sexual orientation to the UK border agency.

All asylum seekers need to prove they are at risk of persecution before entering the UK but one top barrister told the Huffington Post UK that some are going to extreme lengths to do so.

Mr S Chelvan, barrister at No. 5 Chambers who specialises in immigration, explained: “In one case, we had an individual who had a gay friend of his who he met in a gay club in London, and they went to an underwear party. He described how they were attracted to each other, they both said they showed signs of that.

“But the UK Border Agency said any straight person could have gone to that club. But would a straight person have stripped down to his underwear? And the friend agreed they both got aroused at the sight of each other,” he added.

In a landmark bill, passed in 2010, the UK said that gay, lesbian and bisexual refugees should be allowed to stay in the country if they face persecution at home.

However, in the annual Stonewall Lecture hosted by the Law Society on Tuesday, Chevlan is to outline the need for reform and will detail the extraordinary lengths people are prepared to go to.

A UK Border Agency (UKBA) spokeswoman said: “We have changed our guidance to ensure that we do not remove individuals who have demonstrated a proven risk of persecution on grounds of sexual orientation. Our position remains clear – when someone needs our protection, they will be given it.”

Eleanor Mackay