2 days ago
Refugee tribunal grants woman residency in New Zealand over Tongan persecution
A Tongan woman has been granted the right to remain in New Zealand after the Refugee Tribunal found she would face persecution in Tonga because of her sexual orientation as a lesbian.
She is currently recognised as a refugee due to the danger she may face in her home country.
Tonga is among several Pacific countries, where same sex relationships are outlawed and can carry jail time.
Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Tonga Leitis Association, the only LGBTQI organisation in Tonga, Joey Joleen Mataele said many families are not open about the sexuality of their children, especially when it comes to lesbians.
"Gay and trans communities are so open but when it comes to lesbians it is a delicate issue," Joey said.
