Premium Content:

Panel to Discuss LGBT Asylum Seekers

Prison

The hardship encountered by queer asylum seekers will be addressed in a panel discussion hosted by the  Human Rights Law Commission in Sydney and Melbourne.

- Advertisement -

The panel, adeptly named ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow: the perils of protection for queer asylum seekers’ will take place in Sydney on December 4 2014 in Sydney and December 8 in Melbourne.

The debate on asylum seekers has recently been a hot topic in Australian politics with proposed legislative changes introduced by Immigration Minster, Scott Morrison, giving doubt to the fate and protection of queer asylum seekers who face resettlement in countries where homosexual acts is considered unlawful.

Letters obtained by the Guardian Australia describe mental health issues, sexual assaults and fear of persecution in Papua New Guinea experienced by LGBT asylum seekers.

The six letters are written by four Iranian men who are due to arrive arrive in PNG where homosexuality is illegal and attracts a jail term of up to ten years. Scott Morrison declined to comment to the Guardian on the letters, however in December said he was “unaware of any claims or declarations of homosexuality” from asylum seekers on Manus Island.

Ben Pynt, director of Humanitarian Research Partners, who is in regular contact with a number of asylum seekers on Manus and who initially received the letters, said he estimated there were around 36 gay men detained.

“There are even more who we don’t know of because they’re too scared to be ‘out’ in PNG,” Pynt said.

The panelists contributing to the discussion include representatives from various organisations and activists bringing and informed and insightful contribution to the panel discussion. Anna Brown,  director of advocacy and strategic litigation at the Human Rights Law Center will moderate discussion.

Simone Gordon

Latest

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with...

On This Gay Day | Benjamin Britten was born in 1913

A central figure in music in the 20th century Britten composed well known operas, orchestral and vocal music.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with...

On This Gay Day | Benjamin Britten was born in 1913

A central figure in music in the 20th century Britten composed well known operas, orchestral and vocal music.

Conservative group says Trump win renews hope of turning back same-sex marriage

Brian Brown from the International Organisation of the Family says he's hopeful the laws will be changed.

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with their most recent album Nonetheless but this British duo has been pushing out hit after...