UK: Verdict postponed on bisexual Orashia Edwards’ fight to stop deportation to Jamaica

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A bisexual man battling deportation to Jamaica had the verdict of his legal review postponed today in Leeds.

A verdict will be announced tommorow at 10am on 32 year-old Orashia Edwards, whose supporters say he is at risk of persecution if sent to Jamaica, due to his sexuality.

Edwards’ mother has said that he has lived in Leeds for 14 years.

If the review fails, he will be deported on Wednesday.

Leeds No Borders, who campaign on behalf of LGBT asylum seekers and protested outside the court today, tweeted: “Let’s hope for a positive outcome for Orashia. He belongs in the UK with his family! #defendorashia.”

He has a one year-old daughter living in the UK along with the rest of his family.

He was first due to be deported in January, but his flight was cancelled after protests.

Campaigners have frequently documented alleged cases of officials deporting LGBT asylum seekers back to countries where they face homophobic persecution.

The claims have always been denied by the Home Office.

Violent homophobia and transphobia remains a key problem in Jamaican society.

Transgender teenager Dwayne Jones was murdered in the Jamaican suburban parish of St James last July.

Over 800 people have signed a petition in support of Edwards staying.

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