Kramer Levin Obtains Asylum for Guyanese Man

Kramer Levin obtained asylum for Mr. G., a client from Guyana who endured and feared persecution because he is a gay man. In Guyana, homosexuality is publicly condemned for cultural and religious reasons. Consensual sex acts between adult men are deemed illegal “offences against morality” punishable by prison time, and violence against homosexuals is common. While living in Guyana, Mr. G was regularly ridiculed with vulgar slurs, harassed, and physically threatened and abused by members of his community, including strangers, schoolmates and even his own brother, for being and being perceived as gay. The Kramer Levin team, consisting of Litigation associate Seth F. Schinfeld with assistance from Litigation associate Lydia Deutsch and paralegal Laurie Baldinger, successfully demonstrated to the asylum office that returning Mr. G to Guyana could subject him to further violence and harm and put his life in danger. Mr. G was referred to Kramer Levin by long-time pro bono partner City Bar Justice Center.