Malawi: Suspension of Anti-Gay Laws Draws Mixed Reactions

Blantyre — A decision by Malawi authorities to suspend anti-homosexual laws in the predominantly religious southern African nation of 13 million is sparking heated debate. While human rights activists applaud the announcement, some socially conservative Malawians feel their government should not be copycatting everything from Western countries or nodding to whatever donors demand.

Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 22, and Steven Monjeza, 28, once faced a 14-year prison sentence with hard labour. The alleged crime? Being gay. The couple was arrested after holding a wedding engagement ceremony at a hotel in the commercial hub of Blantyre.

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