Cameroon denies homosexuals face persecution

Yaounde, 09 July-(ANA)-Cameroon's government has rejected the claim by a gay asylum seeker in the UK that he would face persecution if he returned home.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court in London ruled in favour of the man, and a similar claimant from Iran.

Homosexuality in Cameroon is punishable by up to three years in jail.

However, Cameroon's communications minister told the BBC homosexuals were free to behave as they wished in private without any harassment.

"Homosexuality is forbidden by the law, there is not doubt. But what I can emphasise is the fact that no homosexual is persecuted in Cameroon"," Communications Minister Issa Tchiroma said.

He said that the claimant was simply using the law as an excuse to claim asylum in Britain.

"Do you think he is the only gay person in Cameroon?"

The two men who have won the right to claim asylum in the UK and been refused by the previous British government. (ANA)

FA/ANA/09 July 2010--------