Source: CBC News and PinkNews
A  prominent member of gay rights group J-FLAG, Jamaica's Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, is claiming refugee status in Canada.

Gareth Henry, who spoke at Pride London last year about the plight of lesbian and gay people in his country, told CBC News that 13 of his friends have been killed in the last four years.

One 22-year-old friend who was suspected of being gay was chased by a mob, Henry told CBC News. The only place he could run to was the harbour. He couldn't swim.

"Everyone," said Henry, "stood and watched him drown."

On Valentine's Day last year, Henry was one of three gay men caught in a pharmacy and surrounded by an angry mob.

Police eventually escorted the men from a pharmacy in Saint Andrew Parish, where they had been hiding for almost an hour.

An angry crowd had gathered outside the pharmacy, hurling insults and threatening to kill the men. Officers dispersed the crowd with tear gas. As many as 2,000 people were involved in the attack.

Henry said he wants to stay in Canada and is claiming refugee status.

He says Canada understands and protects human rights and that Jamaica is not a place he can return to.

Full article: Jamaican gay activist seeks refugee status in Canada | CBC
Jamaican activist seeks asylum in Canada | PinkNews