- Simone Carmen Johnson was told her relationship was not suitable
A woman who was refused permission to move to the UK to join her two male lovers so they could remain with their “loving family” has vowed to take legal action against the British government if the decision is not overturned.
Simone Carmen Johnson from South Africa applied for an unmarried partner visa in February, which would give her the right to travel to Britain and be together.
Her lovers, Tao Settembrini (formerly known as Rochelle Settembrini) and Larissa Settembrini, already live there and are waiting for her to join them.
However, her application was officially rejected on June 26. The visa allows unmarried long-term partners of British or Irish citizens to stay with them in the UK and applies to both heterosexual and homosexual relationships.
However, Johnson was told in her rejection letter that her relationship does not meet the required conditions and that she believes it discriminates against her situation.
Simone Carmen Johnson (right) is pictured next to her two lovers Tao Settembrini (left) and Larissa Settembrini (center)
Johnson pointed out that polygamy is legal in South Africa, although unusual for the UK. Furthermore, immigration rules do not strictly prohibit her from applying for a partner visa.
She complained that the rejection constituted a breach of her fundamental human rights, guaranteed by Article 8 of the European Convention.
LGBTQ+ rights advocates argue the decision is based on outdated ideas about family and relationships.
Johnson continued to insist that the decision was unfair and decided to reapply, urging immigration officials to reconsider.
In her second application, she wrote: “The denial implies a lack of evidence of a genuine and enduring relationship. This assessment fails to consider the unique dynamics of polygamous relationships.”
Gwen Vermeulen, Senior Manager Immigration and British Citizenship at Move Up UK Visa Solutions, said their refusal not only tears apart a loving family but also raises worrying questions about the UK’s commitment to human rights and equality.
Vermeulen said: ‘We urge the UK Home Office to reconsider this decision and recognise the validity of diverse family structures.’
Vermeulen added that there are already existing precedents that would allow Johnson’s application to be accepted.
If the request is rejected a second time, Vermeulen will submit the case to the competent court.
Tribunals are judicial bodies that operate independently of the courts, but still perform judicial functions. They deal with specific types of disputes, such as employment disputes and, in this case, immigration cases.
MailOnline has contacted the Home Office.