Comments on: Malawi Frees Couple Imprisoned for Sodomy

By: justsearching

justsearching — Sun, 30 May 2010 07:14:42 +0000

It was somewhat brave of the president to go against public opinion to release these two. However, everyone knows that he did so under international political and financial pressure. I wonder what the behind-the-scenes talks to secure the release looked like.

By: John duffell

John duffell — Sun, 30 May 2010 03:26:24 +0000

Ndikusowa pogwira…I am at a complete loss. I did not expect this, not in a million years. Of course, this doesn’t mean that Malawi’s anti-sodomy laws are about to be reformed, and we could definitely see some backlash against Mutharika’s pardon. Still, heartening news.

I’m still having difficulty accepting the truth of this. Until I see photographic evidence of their freedom, I’m not sure I’ll be able to accept that it has really happened.

It will be interesting to see the reactions by other countries. I’m less interested in those of the West; I’m much more curious how other African nations who are currently grappling with the “gay issue” will respond. Malawi and Zimbabwe, for example, are very close friends (as are their respective heads of state).

For what it’s worth, Mutharika is the current head of the African Union, which certainly lends more weight to this as a symbolic gesture.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Sat, 29 May 2010 22:09:23 +0000

What worries me is that they will be released without protection. Their families have already rejected them, so who will keep them safe? I fear violence against them with the authorities doing nothing to prevent it. Can’t someone get them out of the country NOW?

By: Emily K

Emily K — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:56:24 +0000

..of course, it still leaves me concerned about prison conditions other prisoners must endure in Malawi…

By: Emily K

Emily K — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:55:56 +0000

i’m so glad. this is such a relief to me.

By: anteros

anteros — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:28:47 +0000

i’m so happy they got outta jail! i didnt think this would happen, not after all those months of harassment and humiliation.

props to ban ki moon.

By: Regan DuCasse

Regan DuCasse — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:07:24 +0000

Good points folks!
A country like Canada, where they can be legally married and have social services that would support them and integrate them into Canadian society seems ideal.

Better than in America (embarrassing to say) where marriage would be limited.

I’m so happy for them. And it’s a shame before all that’s good and just that two men or two women cannot love in peace.

By: Lindoro Almaviva

Lindoro Almaviva — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:10:20 +0000

I hope they are offered political asylum somewhere in Europe, where they can be wed and lead productive lives.

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:06:02 +0000

I hope Malawi and other nations adopt a practice whereby those convicted of such nonviolent, victim-less local “crimes” may apply to emigrate instead of being imprisoned or even executed. Many nations would welcome Steven and Tiwonge without hesitation.

It seems like nations consider their citizens to be property, or cattle, and choose to torment and kill their transgressors at great expense, when voluntary exile would be more humane.