In light of forward strides supporters of Gay Rights worldwide have experienced, today they must certainly be feeling deep disappointment and discouragement.
Late last week, a Malawi judge sentenced a gay African couple to the maximum 14 years in prison with hard labor, after the couple went public with their relationship and plans to marry. The harsh sentence, which is part of Malawi’s anti-gay legislation for unnatural acts and gross indecency, came after the same judge convicted Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza earlier in the week under ancient laws dating back to the colonial era. Now the case is drawing a wave of international condemnation and unexpected debate on human rights in the conservative southern African country.
Chimbalanga, a 20-year-old hotel janitor, and Monjeza, his unemployed partner, were arrested December 27th after becoming engaged and celebrating with an engagement party at the hotel where Chimbalanga worked — a first in Malawi. But the judge did not share in their joy and felt it was within his right to uphold Malawi law. “Maximum sentences are intended for use for worst cases,” Magistrate Nyakwawa Usiwa Usiwa said as he delivered his sentence. “We are sitting here to represent the Malawi society which I do not believe is ready at this point in time to see its sons getting married to other sons or conducting engagement ceremonies.”
Chimbalanga remained composed as the sentence was read, saying “I am not worried,” while being taken to a police vehicle. But Monjeza broke down upon hearing the ruling and was still sobbing as he was helped into the vehicle. Hundreds of onlookers inside and outside the court house jeered the two men with shouts of “You got what you deserve!” and “Fourteen years is not enough, they should get 50!”
Michelle Kagari, deputy Africa director of Amnesty International called the sentence “an outrage,” while Mark Heywood, director of the South Africa-based AIDS Law Project called the sentence “outrageous and a violation of human rights.” He also encouraged activists around the world to stage protests against Malawi.
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SAD SAD SAD SAD SAD!!!!!Why should it matter who we marry? Love is pure and shold not be controlled or forced by laws. For years we fought for racial equality in this country. Now it's time for sexual equality.WAKE UP AMERICA!