Love Matters | Same Sex Immigration to Canada
(Photo of Toronto Immigration lawyer Michael Battista)
Canada is the new home of choice for many homosexuals fleeing repressive countries. Only a few other nations (Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain) can match our record of legalizing gay marriage and adoptions by gay and lesbian couples, or our strong anti-discrimination laws.
Immigration lawyer Michael Battista understands how difficult it is for many gay people to seek asylum in Canada. "Often, they have spent a lifetime suppressing, hiding and lying about their sexual orientation to save their lives," says the lawyer, who has spent the past 14 years assisting gays and lesbians who fear harassment, torture and even death if Canada won't let them in.
"Soon after they've arrived in Canada they are at a hearing, and they are asked to prove one, that they are homosexual, and two, that they cannot return home," says Battista, who leads about 40 homosexual refugee applicants through the process each year.
Our Guest Speaker for Java Knights on Tuesday March 27, is none other that Michael Battista. The breadth of Battista's expertise includes matters related to same sex relationships, including sponsorships based on same-sex relationships, refugee claims based on sexual orientation/identity, and skilled worker applications by foreign citizens seeking to obtain Canadian permanent residence for them and their same sex partners. Toronto’s LGBT news magazines, voted him Best Lawyer in 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Come with your questions, Michael has all the answers!
Please RSVP to zedtoronto@hotmail.com - So that we have an idea on the number of participants. FREE finger food and soft drinks served. Cash bar. Workshop Starts 7 PM ends at 9 PM. Please Arrive early. Gladstone Hotel Art Bar, 1214 Queen St. W, at Dufferin Street (2nd door on the right of main hotel doorway) One and all welcome to attend.
http://gaywest.905host.net/files/javaknights.php