Europe’s highest court has ruled that gay asylum seekers will no longer have to undergo “tests” or intimate questioning in order to prove their sexuality.
The European Court of Justice, which oversees asylum policy for all EU member states, said officials will not be allowed to interrogate LGBT applicants about their sexual activity as it undermines the applicant’s dignity and right to privacy, and thus contravenes European law.
Authorities will also not be allowed to request video or photographic evidence as “proof” of homosexuality.
Over the last year, there has been a significant increase in the number of African refugees claiming asylum in the EU, as most African countries still regard homosexuality as a crime, the BBC reports. Continue reading