LiberalDemocrats announce LGBT asylum priority as part of LGBT Manifesto

By Paul Canning

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg today launched the first their LGBT election manifesto. The third priority of six is "ending deportations of gay and lesbian refugees to countries where they face persecution".

The Libdems say:

"It is inhumane for the Government to deport gay people back to the countries where they will be persecuted because of their sexuality. We believe that everyone should be treated equally under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identification."

"We have long rejected the argument that it would be acceptable for a lesbian or gay person to be deported to a homophobic state, as long as that individual behaved in a ‘discreet’ manner."

"Liberal Democrats will not deport any refugees genuinely fleeing a country because sexual orientation or gender identification may mean that they are at risk of imprisonment, torture or even execution."

• Lib Dem LGBT Manifesto (PDF)

Correction: The Green party launched the first LGBT election manifesto in February. This included as their sixth 'core area':

"Ensure safe haven and refugee status for LGBT people fleeing persecution in violently homophobic and transphobic countries."