A WOMAN battling to move to the UK and join her two male lovers has slammed the British government for alleged discrimination.
Simone Carmen Johnson, from South Africa, had her visa bid rejected after applying for a right to travel doc so the “loving family” of three could be reunited.
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Simone is in a relationship with Tao Settembrini and Larissa Settembrini, who both live in the UK.
Her application for an Unmarried Partner Visa, made in February, was rejected in June because her relationship doesn’t meet the criteria.
Those visas can be used for unmarried long-term partners of British or Irish citizens and applies to both heterosexual and homosexual relationships.
Simone was told hers doesn’t align with the necessary specifications and complains the move by UK officials is discriminatory against her.
She said polygamy is unusual in Britain but legal in South Africa, and argues immigration rules should not block her from getting a partner visa.
LGBTQ activists have also slammed the decision as based on outdated views on relationships.
Simone is in the process of reapplying and wrote in her second application: “The refusal implies a lack of evidence for a genuine and subsisting relationship.
“This assessment neglects to consider the unique dynamics of polygamous relationships.”
She argues that the visa block is a violation of her basic human rights under Article 8 of the European Convention.
Gwen Vermeulen, manager at Move Up UK Visa Solutions, said: “We are urging the UK Home Office to reconsider this decision and recognise the validity of diverse family structures.”
She said the refusal is damaging a loving family and there is precedent which should allow Simone’s application to pass.
Gwen vowed to take up a legal challenge with a tribunal if Simone’s second bid is refused.
The Sun has contacted the Home Office for comment.
