The fight to protect the "sanctity of marriage" is now in Malawi, which has become part of the latest round of anti-gay hysteria which is sweeping across central and southern Africa. The National Assembly of Malawi has passed a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage, reports Behind the Mask.
During this sitting Member of parliament, Edwin Banda proposed that the constitution should include a clause stipulating that Malawi is a "God fearing nation", a phrase that would cast homosexuality out as it is said to be ungodly. Banda said Malawi is a God fearing nation, "the whole front benches (Cabinet Ministers) are God fearing people, the speaker is a church elder. We should say no to same sex marriages. "Amidst applause by members of parliament Banda added "the clear position against homosexuality will help protect the sanctity of marriage and Malawi’s belief in God."
However Minister of Local government, Goodal Gondwe, rejected Banda’s proposal stating that the phrase would be legislate people’s faith. He said "people have different beliefs that will not be included in the constitution." Supporting the fight against homosexuality even the speaker of parliament said "as a church elder myself I do not support same sex marriages."
The amendment banning same sex marriage was reportedly passed as part of the FY 2009/2010 budget.
Malawi already boasts one of the harshest anti-gay laws on the continent. Homosexual acts are illegal and Section 153 prohibits "unnatural offences" punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment or a death sentence.
The marriage ban follows a wildly publicized campaign by Christian and Islamic leaders in the southern African nation who claimed the government would revoke "laws criminalizing homosexuality to allow gay marriages", according to Islamonline. Deputy Minister of Information John Bande said the harsh laws would not be revoked because "laws legalizing same-sex relations ... [are] an abomination and unacceptable."
I'm speechless. Wow.
Posted by: Malone | 13 August 2009 at 14:20
these homo hating african countries have been brainwashed by american churches. how in the hell is same sex marriage a threat in a nation where you can be executed for being gay?
Posted by: Carlos | 13 August 2009 at 14:25
i'm so sick of the plague of religion.
Posted by: FREELEO | 13 August 2009 at 14:29
"these homo hating african countries have been brainwashed by american churches."
Bribed too, Carlos. Silly landlocked folks...well, I mean, the folks in their government.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 13 August 2009 at 14:45
It's so sad that people continue to use religion to spread hate against others.
It's also strangely ironic that a country which such anti-gay legislation would benefit from the philanthropy of a gay icon (i.e. Madonna)
Posted by: Kevin | 13 August 2009 at 15:20
@Carlos
OK, why would the government even need to ban same-sex marriage if homosexuality is illegal.
Ok, and can I say this: those would be WHITE american churches
Posted by: Chitown Kev | 13 August 2009 at 15:39
Yet another sad chapter in human history. My heart goes out to all the brave LGBT souls in Malawi who have to suffer through these unbearable laws. It makes you appreciate our lives more in the US. One day, maybe we all will be free to exist openly and honestly.
Posted by: Ravenback | 13 August 2009 at 16:50
In using religion to HATE us gay folks, homophobes actually think God supports them. In reality, people who support discrimination against gays are prejudice demons. They believe that they are doing God's work by discriminating against us. Homophobic people are not followers of God. They are posessed by Satin.
Posted by: Mel Smith | 13 August 2009 at 20:33
Religion strikes again.And honestly blaming the "american church" over africa's homophobia is not being fair here(i think). Being african myself, i don't think our people need "white folks" or their money to hate us.They just do.infact they even say "homosexuality" is a western thing.
Posted by: SouLKid | 13 August 2009 at 22:08