Peter Tatchell

Sixty-five British MPs have signed a House of Commons EDM (Early Day Motion), which condemns Malawi's arrest and trial of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, who are accused of having a homosexual relationship. The men could be jailed for up to 14 years.

The EDM, tabled by Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming, urges the release of the two men, the dropping of all charges and the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Malawi.

Peter Tatchell, of the gay human rights group OutRage!, said
"Many letters of protest have been sent to the Malawian High Commissioner in London, Dr. Francis Moto, urging that Tiwonge and Steven be released and all charges dropped, on the grounds that they have harmed no one.

"The men's prosecution and the ban on homosexuality violate the equality and non-discrimination provisions of the Constitution of Malawi and of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which Malawi has signed and pledged to uphold.

"The EDM has been communicated to the Malawian High Commissioner in London. It will hopefully add to pressure for the acquittal of Steven and Tiwonge and for the eventual decriminalisation of homosexuality by the Government of Malawi.

"We hope this parliamentary motion will send a strong signal from the House of Commons to the Malawian government that the criminalisation of consenting same-sex relations is a violation of human rights. Malawi's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens have a right to privacy, equality, respect and dignity, under the country's constitution and under international humanitarian law.

"Malawi is a sovereign nation and we respect its independence. But we hope that its government will recognise that this trial and the criminalisation of homosexuality are contrary to the human rights principles that Malawi has embraced since its transition from dictatorship to democracy.

"We appeal to the kindness and generosity of the Malawian people and government: please show mercy to Steven and Tiwonge and do not persecute your fellow Malawian citizens who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

"OutRage! supports the many Malawian people who oppose homophobia and the prosecution of these two men. It is encouraging to hear some people in Malawi say: live and let live.

"Tiwonge and Steven have harmed no one. They should not be on trial."

For more information on the Malawi arrests view:
www.petertatchell.net/international/malawi-gay-marriage-trial-on-15-january.html