Sex discrimination to be grounds to claim asylum

2 January 2006

MADRID — Sex discrimination and sexual orientation are about to become grounds for foreigners to claim asylum in Spain.

The government is about to give the green light to proposals which would extend the present law and allow foreign refugees to seek residence under these two categories.

It will mean that sex and sexual orientation will be recognised under Spanish asylum law as “social groups” in themselves.

So women who claim they have been victims of sex discrimination, or gay people and transsexuals who claim to suffered prejudice might be granted asylum.

The Spanish daily El Pais said it was one of the most progressive measures in the world.

The paper said it came at a time when the international tide of opinion was to toughen immigration legislation.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news