In February 1999,  these two Bangladeshi men (s395 and s396 as deemed by the High Court of Australia) arrived in Australia from Dhaka claiming refugee status. They told the Australian government they had been forced to leave their home, lost their jobs in Bangladesh and were stoned by homophobes in their community who found out they were a loving gay male couple. They feared they would continue to be persecuted because of their homosexuality, so fled Bangladesh for Australia.

Since, that time they have faced 4 seperate Refugee Review Tribunals (RRT's), to have their refugee status recognised. At first, they were rejected because it was suggested that if they returned home and were discreet about their sexuality they would be safe. Also, since they arrived their status as a couple have not been recognised, living in seperate refugee compunds at Villawood within Sydney.

Recently they faced their fourth tribunal, and were again rejected. The couple so desperate by this stage they even offered to have sex before the RRT to prove they were involved. Of course, this was dneied them. But Members or our organisation CAAH have met with this couple, and can vouch for the authenticity of their love

As of 2003 homosexuality has been approved by the high courts as a acceptable claim for refugee status, and to think this couple have been fighting for their basic human right to safety since 1999 is deplorable.

Please sign this petition, and let the Australian Government know that it should be honouring the Universal Declearation of human rights, in which Bangladesh and Australia are both signatree's. Give this Bangladeshi couple a new start with freedom and safety.

Cheers,

Steaphan Markotany,

CAAH Co-convener