Local Euro MP backs call to stop deportations

7.02.00pm GMT Sun 14th Sep 2008

Liz Lynne MEP has backed a move by the Lib Dem party conference to condemn

deportations of lesbian or gay people to countries that persecute them

just because of their sexuality.

The motion, which was accepted by party delegates in Bournemouth on Sunday

afternoon, condemns the Government's continued deportation of gay and

lesbian people who have lost claims for asylum back to countries where

they are likely to be imprisoned or tortured simply on the ground of their

sexual identity.

As a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other

Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment of Punishment, the UK is supposedly

committed to not deporting to countries if there are substantial grounds

for believing they would be subjected to torture. The Labour Government

has allowed deportation to homophobic states, such as Iran and Nigeria,

even when there is evidence a person will be endangered by their return.

Speaking today Liz Lynne, a long time campaigner for human rights and

civil liberties said:

"This motion proves yet again that the Liberal Democrats are the only

party truly committed to the safeguarding of human rights. Our

responsibilities to our fellow human beings do not stop at our national

borders and it is intolerable that our country continues to ship off

homosexuals to countries where their lives may be in danger.

"The Government's continued hand-wringing and excuses will not make up for

the fact that such persecution is happening on their watch and that they

are to blame.

"I applaud my fellow Lib Dems for recognising the vital importance of this

issue and pledging to stand up for the rights of the gay community."

ENDS

Notes:

Liz Lynne has been a long time campaigner for human rights and

anti-discrimination laws. The European Parliament recently adopted her

report calling for a directive outlawing discrimination on the grounds of

disability, age, race, religion and sexual orientation and legislation is

expected next year.

The full text of Liz's report can be found at:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//NONSGML+REPORT+A6-2008-0159+0+DOC+WORD+V0//EN&language=EN