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Malawi - homosexuality

Gay couple to be charged next month

A gay couple jailed for holding a same-sex wedding in Malawi will be sentenced on charges of “gross indecency” next month. Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza were denied bail in January and it was confirmed on Thursday that they will return to court on 22 March.

Homosexuality is still frowned upon in many African countries. Ugandan activists in Jinja held an anti-homosexuality protest on 15 February, 2010
Homosexuality is still frowned upon in many African countries. Ugandan activists in Jinja held an anti-homosexuality protest on 15 February, 2010 Reuters
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Homosexuality is banned in Malawi and the couple face a maximum sentence of 14 years' imprisonment for holding a symbolic wedding ceremony in December.

Authorities in the conservative southern African country have launched a crackdown on homosexuals in the past few weeks. On Monday police spokesman Dave Chingwalu said a 60-year-old man was arrested and charged with sodomy.

A 21-year-old man was recently given two months' community service for putting up pro-gay rights posters.

In Africa, only South Africa has legalized same-sex marriage and gay sex is still forbidden in over 30 countries on the continent.

In Uganda earlier this week, thousands of people demonstrated in support of a bill that proposes introducing the death penalty for some offences that involve homosexual acts.

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