http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/TorontoSun/News/2004/11/12/710937.htmlLANDMARK RULING GIVES MEXICAN DUO OK TO STAY
By TOM GODFREY, TORONTO SUN
A SAME-SEX couple from Mexico has been given the green light to stay here in a landmark ruling that moves them closer to being accepted in Canada as refugees. The men, who now live in Vancouver, allege they were victims of persecution at home based on sexual orientation.
Rogelo Ponce Melchor, 33, and Luis Alberto Bujanda Basaca, 34, lived as a couple in Hermosillo before fleeing to Canada in 2001.
Their initial refugee claim was thrown out by the Immigration and Refugee Board and the men filed an appeal to the Federal Court of Canada, which six weeks ago gave them a new hearing.
Immigration lawyers said a new hearing means they're 90% certain to be deemed refugees and would be the first same sex couple to get protection in Canada.