In response to the Supreme Court ruling today that two gay asylum seekers will not be deported to countries where they will face persecution, Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said:

“It is hugely encouraging that the Supreme Court has today ruled in favour of gay asylum seekers, and rejected the ludicrous ruling that they should ‘hide’ their sexuality on return to their home country as a means of protecting themselves. It is about time refugees fleeing their countries because of persecution over their sexuality are acknowledged as being legitimately in need of safety here, in line with those fleeing other human rights abuses.

“We are pleased that the new government has already pledged to stop the deportation of gay asylum seekers to countries where they will be at risk. Now as part of the government’s welcome review into the asylum system, we urge them to focus on ensuring gay asylum seekers, and all those seeking safety from persecution in our country, can have the protection they need.”