Simon Hughes supports gay refugee plight

By Marc Shoffman • May 16, 2006 - 0:00

A spokesman for Simon Hughes told PinkNews.co.uk that the MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey is expected to attend the event at around 1pm

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PinkNews.co.uk Exclusive

Liberal Democrat Party President Simon Hughes will address a rally raising awareness of gay asylum seekers tomorrow to mark the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).

Mr Hughes, MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey will make an appearance at the event which aims to highlight the plight of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) refugees.

The demonstration takes place from 12pm outside the Home Office on 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1. It will highlight key areas where gay groups feel the UK government is failing LGBT asylum seekers, including training on sexual orientation issues, policy supporting the right of refugees to claim asylum on the grounds of sexual orientation, abuse of LGBT refugees in UK asylum detention camps, up-to-date information on the victimisation of LGBT

people in violently homophobic countries, and access to proper legal representation for LGBT asylum applicants.

Derek Lennard, UK coordinator of IDAHO said: "On this International Day Against Homophobia, we want to express support for LGBT people in other countries who are suffering arrest, imprisonment, torture and murder.

"We are demanding that the UK government offers refuge from persecution.

A spokesman for the bisexual politician told PinkNews.co.uk that he is expected to attend the event at around 1pm.

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