The proposed deportation of Amanpreet Kaur this morning did not go ahead. Amanpreet is a Punjabi Sikh who was to be deported today (1st March) pending the outcome of a judicial review. She is a lesbian who is currently in Yarlswood detention centre where she had a wedding ceremony with her partner Dara, a Punjabi Muslim. Amanpreet has been refused the right to claim asylum and the UK Border Agency are refusing to accept that she and Dara are lesbians. Amanpreet has been suffering from mental illness, she has cut her wrists and refused food. On one occasion when she was banging her head against the wall, her partner claims she had her breasts grabbed by an officer while others laughed at her. It is not acceptable that Amanpreet should have to ‘prove’ that she is a lesbian in order for her asylum claim to be taken seriously. Many are caught in this trap because it is impossible to ‘prove’ homosexuality; especially when one has been closeted through fear.
The fight has been cancelled and Amanpreet remains in Bedford Hospital. However she is by no means safe and another flight could be organised as soon as the Borders Agency sees fit. If she is released she will be returned to the notorious Yarlswood Detention Centre in Bedfordshire.
Please email Theresa May at mayt@parliament.uk to insist that any further attempts at deportation is halted. For more details and to contact Amanpreet’s partner Dara direct ring 0207 482 2496.