British Home Secretary: Iran safe for gays if they are "discreet"

And to think that some say the Labour government is in shambles. What part of persecution and death sentence does she not understand?

In a letter to a Liberal Democrat peer, seen by The Independent, Ms Smith said there was no "real risk" of gay men and lesbians being discovered by the Iranian authorities or "adverse action" being taken against those who were "discreet" about their behaviour.

More on Jacqui Smith, British Home Secretary:

Ms Smith gave her verdict after MPs and peers called on the Government to change its immigration policy and immediately end the deportation of failed asylum-seekers who fear persecution in Iran.

Their call for a moratorium on asylum removals was a response to the plight of Mehdi Kazemi, a gay Iranian teenager facing execution if he returns to Iran, whose case was taken up by The Independent. They said the case of Mr Kazemi, who has since been granted asylum, showed that a change of policy was the "only moral course" for the Government.