Gay Illegal Immigrant Denied Protection In US

DENVER (AP) — A federal appeals court in Denver is refusing to block extradition of a gay illegal immigrant who sought protection in the U.S. claiming Mexican authorities persecute gay people.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that there is evidence that Mexico supports gay rights, citing developments including Mexico City's legalization of gay marriage.

Efren Neri-Garcia has said he was mistreated in Mexico because he is gay and was attacked by authorities while imprisoned in Guadalajara in the 1990s. A witness told Colorado authorities gay men in Guadalajara are still being attacked and need protection.

The ruling means Neri-Garcia faces deportation.

The court also cited a recent U.S. Homeland Security report saying there have been fundamental changes in the treatment of gays in Mexico.

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