Nigerian lesbian asylum seeker Aderonke Apata who is currently facing deportation in Britian, appeared in London’s High Court to Monday March 2, challenge the Home Office’s refusal to grant her asylum. Ms Apata, who relocated to Britain from Nigeria in 2004 has also submitted DVD and photographs of her sex life to the British government of her sexuality.
But the Home Office argues that Ms Apata could not be considered a lesbian because she has children and has previously been in heterosexual relationships.
The Home Secretary’s barrister, Andrew Bird, argued that Ms Apata was “not part of the social group known as lesbians” but had “indulged in same-sex activity”. He continued: “You can’t be a heterosexual one day and a lesbian the next day. Just as you can’t change your race.
Deputy High Court judge John Bowers QC is expected to hand down a ruling by the end of the month.
The 47-year-old was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress in 2005 and attempted suicide when she was in prison facing deportation. Aderonike who told the court during her hearing in 2014 that she risks a death sentence if she is deported to Nigeria, appeared in court holding hands with her wife-to-be Happiness Agboro and surrounded by dozens of gay-rights activists.
The Home Secretary’s barrister, Andrew Bird, argued that Ms Apata was “not part of the social group known as lesbians” but had “indulged in same-sex activity”. He continued: “You can’t be a heterosexual one day and a lesbian the next day. Just as you can’t change your race.
Deputy High Court judge John Bowers QC is expected to hand down a ruling by the end of the month.
The 47-year-old was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress in 2005 and attempted suicide when she was in prison facing deportation. Aderonike who told the court during her hearing in 2014 that she risks a death sentence if she is deported to Nigeria, appeared in court holding hands with her wife-to-be Happiness Agboro and surrounded by dozens of gay-rights activists.
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