Malawi Suspends Antigay Law, Citing Financial Woes

[William769]

With a potential 14-year prison and hard-labor sentence hanging over their heads, gay Malawians are getting a reprieve from fear of arrest, as a government official says the state can't afford to jail LGBT people.

The government in Malawi "is moving to suspend laws against homosexuality," according to the Malawian newspaper Nyasa Times.

Police have been ordered not to arrest people for engaging in same-sex sexual activity, which is punishable in the southeast African nation by up to 14 years in prison with hard labor.

Malawi has told the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva that police in the nation are no longer arresting people for homosexuality — and that the there is "political will" to review the country's harsh antigay law, according to Towleroad.

After a government minister announced in 2012 that Malawi would consider decriminalizing homosexuality, the U.N. Human Rights Committee asked Malawi to report on its progress in reversing the draconian antigay laws.

http://www.advocate.com/world/2014/07/16/malawi-cant-afford-enforce-its-antigay-law

[sheshe2]

1. It is a round about way to get a reprieve.

However

But that stated "political will" isn't reflected in the daily lives of LGBT Malawians, notes the Times, citing reports of growing homophobia in the country.

The government in Lilongwe, Malawi's capital, has been slow to act on several fronts regarding the safety of LGBT people.

They need to put their money where their mouth is and put force behind the Suspension of the Antigay Law.

There is far to much hate in this world.

Thanks William, appreciate the news.

[William769]

2. kick.

[Behind the Aegis]

3. Bigotry called on account of funding.

How long before the sponsors of Uganda and Russia take notice and pony up the funds?

[iandhr]

4. Hit the bigots in their wallets.

You will see them change because they have a higher regard for money then their "deeply held beliefs."

[Agschmid]

6. Yup.

[CBGLuthier]

5. Oh don't worry Malawi, I am sure a bunch of american "christian" churches will pass the hat to help

you hurt people.