By Bisexual Woman Granted Asylum in New Zealand After Fleeing Threats from Ex-Girlfriend and Forced Marriage in Sri Lanka
A bisexual woman from Sri Lanka, identified as J.F., has been granted asylum in New Zealand after escaping threats from her ex-girlfriend, a soldier, who previously attempted to harm her family. J.F. feared returning to Sri Lanka due to the risk of forced marriage and potential violence because of her sexuality.
J.F. had a secret relationship with her ex-girlfriend, A.A., from their teenage years. However, in 2017, J.F.’s mother discovered the relationship, prompting her parents to force her into an arranged marriage with a man. Despite this, A.A. refused to accept the breakup and, in 2021, stormed into J.F.’s family home with three army officers, threatening to kill her mother and family dog when J.F. wasn’t present.
Fearing for her safety, J.F. moved to New Zealand in 2018 on a student visa. After her initial asylum application was rejected, she appealed to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, where her testimony was supported by her mother’s statement and expert medical evidence of her anxiety and depression. The tribunal concluded that J.F. was at significant risk of harm if returned to Sri Lanka, both from A.A. and the potential of being forced into another marriage.
The tribunal ruled that J.F. had a credible claim for refugee status, recognizing the dangers she faced in Sri Lanka due to her sexuality. This decision underscores the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in countries where their identities are criminalized, emphasizing the importance of seeking asylum for safety and protection.
Semantic Keywords: Bisexual woman, asylum, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, ex-girlfriend, threats, forced marriage, LGBTQ+ rights, refugee status, sexual orientation, Immigration and Protection Tribunal, arranged marriage, family violence, asylum appeal, refugee protection.
