Norway is to prioritise refugees who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, the government has confirmed. LGBT+ refugees will, for the first time, be given priority both as a group and individuals when Norway selects for transfers. Under previous guidelines, vulnerable women and children were given priority. The new rules will only apply for the transfer of refugees from one asylum country to another for permanent resettlement. Officials say the move protects LGBT rights in Norway, recognising that persecution on the grounds of sexual orientation may be a reason for moving. “Unfortunately, in many countries, you are not free to love who you want,” said State Secretary for Integration Affairs in the Ministry of Education, Grunde Kreek Almeland. “In nearly 70 countries, homosexuality is criminal and those who violate gender and sexuality norms may be subject to persecution and discrimination in their home country”.