Elton John ‘very concerned’ by Suella Braverman’s comments about LGBT+ refugees

27 September 2023 , 11:19

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Sir Elton John ‘very concerned’ over Braverman’s comments about LGBT refugees (Image: Twitter)

Sir Elton John has condemned Home Secretary Suella Braverman's comments that being gay or a woman is not enough to quality for asylum.

Speaking at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington DC on Tuesday, Braverman told the US think tank that "any attempt to reform the refugee convention [of 1951] will see you smeared as anti-refugee" or being "branded a racist or illiberal".

The controversial MP went on to claim that the West was facing "an existential challenge" over refugees, before insisting that it was not sustainable for the UK to offer protection to those fearful of discrimination "simply for being gay, or a woman."

Following her controversial comments Elton, his husband David and his non-profit Elton John AIDS Foundation responded with a statement, in which they said they were "very concerned" by the Conservative politician's recent remarks, warning that "dismissing the very real danger LGBTQ+ communities face" could lead to "further legitimising hate and violence against them."

Suella Braverman has been criticised by Elton John following her remarks about women and the LGBTQ+ community (PA)

Elton John has condemned Braverman's comments

The iconic musician made a joint statement with his AIDS Foundation and his husband David Furnish, which Sir Elton shared on his personal Instagram account. As he posted the image of the statement, the Tiny Dancer singer wrote in the caption: "A joint statement from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, David and I on today’s remarks from the UK Home Secretary."

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The statement read: "We are very concerned about the UK Home Secretary's comments stating how discrimination for being gay or a woman should not be reason enough to qualify for protection under international refugee laws.

"Nearly a third of all nations class LGBTQ+ people as criminals and homosexuality is still punishable by death in 11 countries," the statement added. "Dismissing the very real danger LGBTQ+ communities face risks further legitimising hate and violence against them.

"Leaders need to provide more compassion, support and acceptance for those seeking a safer future."

The UNHCR [United Nations' High Commissioner of Refugees] also responded to Braverman's speech on Tuesday night, defending the 1951 Refugee Convention and questioning the Home Secretary's distinction between persecution and discrimination. "Where individuals are at risk of persecution on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, it is crucial that they are able to seek safety and protection," the agency said.

"The Refugee Convention is the cornerstone of the international refugee protection regime and remains a life-saving instrument that ensures millions of people fleeing conflict and persecution each year can access safety and protection across borders," it emphasized.

"There are 35.3 million refugees worldwide, with 70 per cent remaining in countries neighbouring their own and 76 per cent hosted in low and middle-income countries."

The agency also said that a more consistent application of the convention was needed after voicing concern over the UK's asylum backlog, which exceeded 175,000 claims last month alone.

Other high-profile figures to have rejected Braverman's comments include Conservative London Assembly member and LGBT+ activist, Andrew Boff. "Talking about the victims of persecution as if they are the problem is incredibly unhelpful and really paints us an an uncaring party," the 65-year-old politician wrote. "I’m deeply unhappy with it. We have a proud record when it comes to gay rights, on things like HIV and equal marriage."

Emma Dooney