(Jamaica Observer) – A Jamaican woman who has been convicted for dealing in illegal drugs by a British court has asked that country’s immigration department not to deport her because she is a lesbian and would be persecuted if sent back to her homeland.
The Evening Standard reported that in 2005 the unnamed woman was convicted for supplying ‘class A’ drugs and sent to prison, where she allegedly entered into lesbian relationships with fellow inmates. However, UK immigration officials believe the woman’s excuse was a ruse to avoid deportation.
Jamaican gays have in the past been granted asylum in the United Kingdom as well as the United States after telling immigration officials that they would be attacked because of the island’s high rate of homophobia.
However, the majority of gays in Jamaica who have met violent deaths are usually victims of crimes of passion – killed by jealous lovers.
