SNP WELCOME SUPREME COURT RULING ON GAY ASYLUM SEEKERS

SNP WELCOME SUPREME COURT RULING ON GAY ASYLUM SEEKERS

‘VICTORY FOR COMMONSENSE AND DECENCY' SAYS CAMPBELL

SNP MSP for the South of Scotland Aileen Campbell has today [Wednesday] welcomed the Supreme Court ruling allowing two asylum seekers to seek refuge in the UK on grounds of sexuality.

Previously, those who faced persecution in their home nation were often advised to ‘act discreetly’ to avoid being 'detected'. The landmark ruling will now mean a change in rules and allow others who fear persecution because of their sexuality the right of refuge in the UK.

Commenting Ms Campbell said:

“Last October at SNP Conference I seconded a motion which the party membership voted unanimously in favour of to overhaul asylum rules, which at the time did not allow people to seek asylum on the grounds of sexuality.

“While it is shameful that any country in the world would persecute someone for being gay, it is also shameful that the UK has refused in the past to protect those same people.

"I’m delighted that that has now changed for the better. Hopefully this is just the start of further significant changes which must still be made so that there is a fair and just asylum system that of which we can be proud."
***
MSP PLANS TRIP TO MALAWI TO PROVE ASYLUM SEEKERS’ CASE

In the week that asylum seekers Florence and Precious Mhango have been served with removal directions from the Border Agency, Glasgow SNP MSP Anne McLaughlin has written to the Home Secretary, Theresa May, offering to fly to Malawi to get the evidence that proves the case for their asylum.

Commenting Ms McLaughlin said:

"There is no doubt in my mind that it is NOT safe for Precious to go to Malawi and so I have decided, if there is no other way of proving that, I will get on a flight to Malawi and I will meet with everyone involved and get the evidence myself.
  
"I am very hopeful that Theresa May will want to know about Florence and Precious and that when she does she will feel duty bound to intervene.

“I've written to her imploring her to do that but I've also said if there is any doubt in her mind, I will have no hesitation in going to Malawi and bringing back the evidence.
  
"We have to keep this child safe and with her mother and if that's what it takes, I am willing to do it.

“Florence and Precious have such strong support from within their community in Glasgow, where they are very well integrated, and would be in grave danger of suffering violent recriminations if they are deported to Malawi. Therefore, I am urging the UK Government to intervene to allow them to stay in their home in Glasgow.”