DENVER—A federal appeals court in Denver is refusing to block extradition of a gay illegal immigrant who sought protection in the United States claiming Mexican authorities persecute homosexuals.
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that there is evidence Mexico now supports gay rights, citing Mexico City’s legalization of gay marriage, a Mexican Supreme Court ruling backing gay marriage and large attendance at gay pride marches.
Efren Neri-Garcia 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 court also cited recent U.S. reports that there have been fundamental changes in the treatment of gays in Mexico.
