According to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, 357 people applied for refugee status based on their sexual orientation in 2013.
Unsurprisingly, the countries with the most claimants are the same that have the strongest anti-gay views.
According to a Pew Research study that polled over 35,000 people in 39 countries on whether society should accept homosexuality, Nigerians were Africa’s most averse, with 98 per cent of respondents answering no.
Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan signed the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act in January, which criminalizes both same-sex unions and membership in gay rights organizations.
Last year, 54 Nigerians applied for refugee status based on their sexual orientation.
AIDS-Free World says that Jamaica has improved its homophobic ways because now only 80 per cent of the population describe themselves as such.
Thirty-nine people sought refuge here from the country whose “murder music” lyrics describe killing homosexuals in patois.
The majority of Jamaicans see no reason to repeal its anti-sodomy law, enacted in the 19th century.
Russia had the most negative attitude in Europe, with 74 per cent of respondents against homosexuality, according to Pew Research.
Just under 30 people came to Canada seeking refuge from Russia’s oppressive anti-gay law.
Should society accept homosexuality?
98% of Nigerians say no
80% of Jamaicans say no
74% of Russians say no
