EU affirms persecution for being gay is valid asylum claim
London Lib Dem MEP Sarah Ludford has welcomed news that the European Commission has affirmed persecution on grounds of sexual orientation is a legitimate justification for an asylum claim. The question had been put to the Commission by Sarah and other MEPs, prompted by an initial rejection in Cyprus of a claim by a gay Iranian asylum seeker - a rejection which was later overturned and the claim granted. Sarah, who is Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman, said: "I strongly welcome this robust statement by the Commission on the responsibility of Member States to uphold their international commitments to refugees and recognise persecution on all legitimate grounds including sexual orientation. Such persecution is very much a reality for gay and lesbian people from countries such as Iran."
