Malawi pardons a gay couple from a 14-year prison term after a meeting with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.
MALAWI-GAY PARDON - Malawi's leader Bingu wa Mutharika pardons a gay couple from a 14-year prison term after a meeting with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who applauded the move and urged the country to amend "outdated" laws on homosexuality.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, saying:
"It is unfortunate that laws which criminalize people on the basis of sexual orientation still exist in some countries. This outdated penal code should be reformed."
Major donors to aid-dependent Malawi had condemned the jail sentence and warned it could affect support for Malawi's budget. The United States called the decision "unconscionable".
The Malawian couple, were arrested after celebrating their engagement in a traditional ceremony in late December.
They were tried and found guilty earlier this month of sodomy and indecency.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
Saturday, 29 May 2010
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ReplyDeleteIt's encouraging to read that the couple was eventually pardoned, although it's heartbreaking to think that two people could face such a long prison sentence simply for celebrating their relationship. I believe the real issue goes beyond one pardon. Everyone deserves the freedom to love, express themselves, and live without fear of being punished because of their sexual orientation. As Ban Ki-moon pointed out, laws that criminalize people for who they are need to change. I also think acceptance starts with everyday human connections, where LGBTQ+ individuals can meet others, share experiences, and feel understood. Platforms like https://snifflesapp.com/
ReplyDeletecan provide another space for people to build those connections. Hopefully, one day, equality and dignity will be treated as basic human rights everywhere, rather than something people have to fight so hard to obtain.