From Dr Leo Raznovich

Visitor visa: the Immigration Authority has agreed on Monday 7th September to grant me a visitor status for two weeks. This regularises my situation until my next planned departure to the U.S. and Europe. Upon my return at the end of October, I am assured that I will be treated as any other visitor, which means I shall need a departure flight and shall, where necessary, have to apply for visitor extensions. This situation will prevail until my spouse’s application to add me to his work permit is resolved. We continue in our discussions with Immigration regarding these conditions, but are working with them in the spirit of cooperation until the main issue is resolved.

Refusal Letter: the Immigration Authority has also sent a formal refusal letter, dated 31st August, a copy of which we only received yesterday. In that letter my spouse was notified of the refusal of his application to add me as his dependent to his work permit. The letter verbatim restated the reasons given in the internet portal. Lawyers are now considering the legal steps to follow given the official communication.

International Bar Association (IBA): the IBA has invited me to present to its annual conference held in Vienna in October. Specifically, I have been asked to cover our case in the Cayman Islands. My presentation will take place on Thursday 8th October.

Support from U.S.A.: Jim Obergefell, main applicant in the landmark US Supreme Court decision Obergefell vs. Hodges that made same-sex unions legal in the US sent Cayman 27 a press release of support:

“My thoughts are with Mr. Raznovich as he condemns the statements made on the floor of the LA and prepares to take on the Cayman government to immediately introduce legislation to recognize same sex unions and outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Although the Supreme Court decision was a powerful step forward for the United States, and many other countries have taken similar steps, our rights continue to be denied and challenged worldwide.

Unfortunately, LGBT people everywhere must continue to fight for equal protection, and it is past time for governments around the world to protect the rights of all citizens.”

END

Dr Leonardo Raznovich is a former lecturer at the Truman Bodden law School who helped students organise a series of three free public lectures in the Cayman Islands last January. Entitled “Misogyny and homophobia: What is the Cayman Islands doing to promote gender and LGBT equality?” the lecture series was a great success. The lectures were delivered by, Prof. Robert Wintemute of King’s College, London, Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs. Helen Kilpatrick and Dr Raznovich.

Dr Raznovich was informed last June his contract with the government would not be renewed once it expired.

There is much concern the reason is related to his support of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender)-themed series of lectures.
Dr Raznovich has had a relationship with male partner for over 16 years and is married to him. The marriage has not been recognised by the Cayman Islands Authorities. They, however, did recognise a polygamous marriage for the purpose of determining the legitimacy of the couple’s children for inheritance purposes.

Dr Raznovich now faces deportation.

See iNews Cayman related stories:

Published September 2 2015 “Cayman Islands former law school lecturer hits gay rights brick wall” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/cayman-islands-former-law-school-lecturer-hits-gay-rights-brick-wall/

Published September 6 2015 “The Editor Speaks: What do you do when you hold a hot potato?” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/the-editor-speaks-what-do-you-do-when-you-hold-a-hot-potato/

IMAGE: www.humanrightslogo.net