UK Asylum Debate Deepens as ‘Gay’ Claimant Reveals Family in Cameroon

A Cameroonian man granted asylum in the United Kingdom after claiming he is gay has sparked fresh debate after disclosing that he left behind a wife and child in his home country.

Marius Kamna, 35, reportedly entered the UK in 2021 on a temporary visa to attend a United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow. He later applied for asylum, citing fears of persecution in Cameroon due to his sexual orientation, and was subsequently granted refugee status.

However, controversy emerged after reports indicated that Kamna did not reveal during his asylum application that he had a wife and child in Cameroon. The disclosure has raised questions about the credibility of some asylum claims based on sexual orientation.

In response, Kamna maintained that he is gay, explaining that his marriage was a cover to protect himself from widespread homophobia in Cameroon. He said he was pressured into the union after facing rejection from his family, describing it as an attempt to gain acceptance and avoid persecution.

“I lived a lie for years,” he said, adding that relocating to the UK allowed him to live more openly.

Kamna acknowledged that the marriage produced a son, now seven years old. Although he has not seen the child since leaving Cameroon, he said he remains in contact and provides financial support.

Currently residing in Wales, Kamna works as a heavy goods vehicle mechanic. He also said he has faced accusations within parts of the migrant community that he misrepresented his sexuality, claims he strongly denies.

He dismissed rumours suggesting he has another family in the UK, attributing them to misinformation among acquaintances. According to him, a woman often seen visiting him is simply a friend who assists members of the Cameroonian community.

Kamna added that he recently moved from Cardiff to Newport following tensions with neighbours.

The case has reignited discussions about the complexities of asylum claims based on sexual orientation, particularly for individuals from countries where same-sex relationships are criminalised.

In Cameroon, same-sex relationships are illegal, and LGBTQ+ individuals often face legal penalties, social stigma, and discrimination.