Immigration & Aslym

Overview

Consensual acts between same sex adults are criminalised in more than 80 member states of the United Nations. In 12 countries homosexuality results in the death penalty. In many countries gay people face savage persecution and murder both from vigilante groups and state-sanctioned action.

Although it is possible to claim asylum in the UK on the grounds of sexual and gender identity, in practice it is a very difficult process and there are many issues that need to be addressed with the current system.

If you are looking for information on the immigration and asylum process in relation to same-sex couples or advice on seeking asylum on the grounds of sexual orientation please visit our information pages 

What we know

Stonewall has been concerned for some time that the quality of decision-making on UK asylum claims made on the grounds of sexual and gender identity is inadequate.

This issue has been highlighted in recent years by a number of high-profile cases that have exposed the failings of the current asylum system.

On several occasions genuine gay asylum seekers have been denied asylum because the Home Office deemed it acceptable for them to return to their home country. Gay asylum seekers have been advised simply to “be more discrete” before being returned to countries where they face very real threats to their safety.

Stonewall also has concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers while in the UK. Many are held in detention. Lesbian, gay and bisexual asylum seekers who are detained are likely to be subject to abuse and sexual harassment from fellow detainees, who frequently come from either the same homophobic country where they have been persecuted in the first place or one with similar attitudes.

What we have done

A large proportion of the enquiries we receive through our information service relate to immigration and asylum. Through this service we are able provide information and put people in touch with the relevant support agencies that can help them.

Stonewall has also made strategic interventions in individual cases – corresponding with government ministers in order to highlight an individual’s situation and call for action to address the situation.

What we are currently doing

Asylum is one of the most contentious issues in the UK’s political discourse. Stonewall continue to raise the issue with the Home Office and to work with relevant bodies such as the Refugee Council to address the current inadequacies in the UK asylum system.

We are currently conducting some research into the experiences of gay asylum seekers. Click here for more details.

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