EU court backs asylum rights for gay people

Gay people can seek asylum in the EU if they risk being jailed in their home countries, the EU's top court ruled on the 7 November 2013.

The Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg said the existence of criminal laws specifically targeting homosexuals means that they could be classified as a "particular social group" which is perceived by surrounding society as different.

The ruling came after the Netherlands queried whether homosexuals could be considered a "particular social group" and whether the threat of incarceration amounts to persecution.

• Primary Source

Spiegel Online International, 07.11.13: Shelter in Europe: Court Orders Asylum for Persecuted Gays http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-high-court-rules-persecuted-gays-must-be-offered-asylum-a-932423.html

---