Persecution on the grounds of homosexuality is recognised in Belgium as a reason for political asylum. Proof of being homosexual in a country where homosexuality is forbidden, however, is not reason enough. One has to prove that one has been a victim of homophobic violence or repression. In the context of a repressive immigration policy, a lot of these political asylum cases are being rejected. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Men frequenting cruising areas commonly fall victim to physical homophobic violence.
They never report these events, as they are mostly in the closet. In April 1993 the State Council, Belgium's supreme judicial body, rejected a proposal by the Minister of the Interior to make HIV-seropositivity a reason for excluding applicants from the Belgian federal police force. All rights reserved.