Press Release: Advocate General’s Opinion in Joined Cases C-148/13, C-149/13 and C-150/13 A, B and C

Advocate General Sharpston considers that when verifying an asylum seeker’s claimed sexual orientation, Member States’ freedom of action is constrained by the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Although Member States do have the right to verify the credibility of such claims, certain verification methods such as medical and pseudo-medical examinations, intrusive questioning and requiring evidence of sexual activities are all incompatible with the Charter of Fundamental Rights.