In a speech on Tuesday, the UK Home Secretary called for a “tightening” of the “definition of who qualifies for protection” under refugee rules. However, Sir Elton John has criticized these comments, suggesting that they risk “further legitimising hate and violence” against LGBT+ people. He believes that offering asylum to individuals persecuted for their sexual orientation or gender is essential, as nearly a third of nations still criminalize LGBTQ+ individuals, and homosexuality is punishable by death in 11 countries. Sir Elton and his husband, David Furnish, released a joint statement expressing their concern and calling for more compassion and support for those seeking safety.
Equalities campaigners and the LGBT+ charity Stonewall have also criticized the Home Secretary’s comments. They argue that the United Nations’ Refugee Convention, which protects people facing persecution, is crucial and should not be undermined. While the Home Office declined to respond directly to Sir Elton’s comments, the UN’s refugee agency highlights the challenges of irregular migration but emphasizes the importance of the convention. The latest Home Office figures show that sexual orientation accounted for 2% of asylum claims made in the UK last year. Mrs. Braverman acknowledged that reforming the refugee convention would be challenging due to the need for agreement from all member states.
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