Senator Kerry Seeks Asylum For Gay Brazilian

Having been raped and discriminated against in Brazil, Genesio Oliveira applied for asylum in the U.S. but was denied and forced to go back to his native country in August 2007, leaving behind his husband Tim Coco, an American citizen he wed in Massachusetts in 2005.

But the couple will be reunited if Senator John Kerry has his way. The Massachusetts Democrat has brought the matter to the attention of the Obama administration, urging U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder via a letter this week to overrule a lower court ruling and grant Oliveira asylum, The Boston Globe reports.

According to the newspaper, Kerry notes in the letter that he was outraged by the fact that the immigration judge who decided the case believed Oliveira's story but denied him asylum because he didn't think that Oliveira was physically harmed by the rape.

Unbelievable.

Being married to an American citizen didn't help Oliveira's situation. His subsequent request to stay in the U.S. based on his marital status was shot down.

FYI: Senator Kerry has co-sponsored legislation that would allow gays and lesbians from foreign countries in permanent relationships with Americans the ability to become legal residents of the U.S.

Here's wishing Oliveira and Coco the best of luck in being permanently reunited. The separation must be torturous.

Meanwhile, what do you think of this case? Is there a chance that Holder might grant Oliveira asylum based on humanitarian concerns? Looking at the bigger picture, do you think we'll soon see the day when those of us who are in committed relationships with foreigners will be able to gain American citizenship for our partners?