Update from Malawi

We recently blogged the story of a gay couple from Malawi, Africa who were sentenced to 14 years in prison for "gross indecency" simply because they are gay.


Well, word came today that Tiwonge Chimbalanga and his partner Steven Monjeza are being spared the 14 year sentencing!

From CNN:

The president of Malawi has pardoned two gay men who were sentenced to 14 years in prison this month for gross indecency and unnatural acts, the country's solicitor general, Anthony Kamanga, said Saturday.

The president's choice to pardon these men came after the incident sparked International outrage across the globe. In the UK, which is Malawi’s largest donor, the sentence was condemned by Alan Duncan, the International Development Minister, as “both shocking and disturbing".

UN Secretary General , Ban Ki- moon had this to say:

“This outdated penal code should be reformed wherever it may exist. Any harassment or violation or discrimination against people based on sexual orientation is discriminatory. It’s against international human rights law.”

In an address to parliament, he called for changes to legislation on gay sex, which is illegal in Malawi and in another 37 out of 53 African nations.

So glad to see true justice prevail in this case. This is a big day for human rights and hopefully, this will serve as a powerful message to other countries to follow suit.

-Vignette-Noelle Lammott, Fish out of Water Blog Commentator -

"To find out more information about LGBTQ rights, gay marriage, religion and homosexuality, The Bible's stance on gay relationships or the politics around gay mariage please feel free to contact us or book a screening of FISH OUT OF WATER. Please note that a study guide can be downloaded from the "Book A Screening" page atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"

Gross Indecency

Today in Malawi, a gay couple were sentenced to serve 14 years in prison. That is the MAXIMUM possible sentence. They have been convicted of "unnatural acts and gross indecency".

This is a "gross indecency" to human beings everywhere.

Tiwonge Chimbalanga, a 20-year-old hotel janitor, and his partner Steven Monjeza, 26, were arrested in December, the day after they celebrated their engagement with a party at the hotel where Chimbalanga worked.

Homosexuality is illegal in at least 37 countries in Africa, including Malawi. In Uganda right now as you read this, lawmakers are considering a bill that would sentence homosexuals to life in prison and sanction the death penalty for "repeat offenders."

It is archaic and disgusting that these law are even being considered.

Before the sentencing, Tiwonge released this statement:

“I love Steven so much. If people or the world cannot give me the chance and freedom to continue living with him as my lover, then I am better off to die here in prison. Freedom without him is useless and meaningless.”

Human rights advocacy groups across the world are shocked by this conviction. And Amnesty International is doing all they can to offer some solution. According to their website, the couple have 3 weeks to file an appeal.

We will call upon the Appeals Court to overturn their conviction and release them unconditionally.

In the meantime... here's what YOU can do.

CLICK HERE to get information about how you can urge the US Congress to take action on behalf of Steven and Tiwonge.

-Vignette-Noelle Lammott, Fish out of Water Blog Commentator -

"To find out more information about LGBTQ rights, gay marriage, religion and homosexuality, The Bible's stance on gay relationships or the politics around gay mariage please feel free to contact us or book a screening of FISH OUT OF WATER. Please note that a study guide can be downloaded from the "Book A Screening" page atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"