Worcestershire LGBT group says Afghan gay community face even more danger

There are concerns minority groups will be condemned further following Taliban takeover

Published 19th Aug 2021

A Worcestershire LGBT support group says LGBT people in Afghanistan are at risk of facing further dangers following the Taliban taking power.

There are concerns minority groups in Afghanistan will be subjected to further adversity after the Taliban secured power earlier this week.

Women in the capital Kabul have stayed at home since the toplling of the Afghan Government over fears they may be beaten by the Taliban for not covering themselves.

Members of the LGBT community, who must already live hidden lives, are also now scurrying away from the eyes of the terrorist organisation.

Morgan, volunteer at Out2gether, said: "They are now facing further risks following this takeover.

Something which the Taliban has been known to do previously is to set up traps so they get people to pretend to be members of the LGBT community.

"Then if someone approaches them they will then be arrested and most likely murdered."

The Taliban invaded Kabul earlier this week and now control the whole country, almost 20 years after being ousted by a US-military led operation.

In July, US troops were withdrawn from the country which were soon followed by British army personnel.

Civilians have since made desperate efforts to flee the country including climbing on military aircraft taking off.

The UK Government are set to announce a bespoke refugee settlement to help those trying to escape.

Morgan continued: "For people seeking asylum here, proving to be who you say you are is the major issue especially if you've lived the closet your entire life for the fear of being murdered because you have no proof.

"While people are seeing asylum they're very often put into detention centres with people who are from countries which have anti-LGBT laws or cultures which also poses a risk.

"There's also been cases of people who have been homophobically, transphobically or bi-phobically abused by members of staff at the centres."

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