State Dept. Condemns Malawi's Conviction of Gay Couple

The Obama Administration speaks out against the outrageous arrest and conviction of a gay Malawi couple ...

Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were convicted of "gross indecency and unnatural acts" on Tuesday. The couple was arrested in December after they held a traditional engagement ceremony. The men are believed to be the first same-sex couple in Malawi to publicly declare a commitment.

Assistant Secretary of State Philip Crowley expressed the Obama Administration's displeasure during the Tuesday press briefing.

"The United States is deeply disappointed in today’s conviction of same-sex couple Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza in Malawi. We view the criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity as a step backward in the protection of human rights in Malawi. The Government of Malawi must respect the human rights of all of its citizens. The United States views the decriminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity as integral to the protection of human rights in Malawi and elsewhere in the world."

The couple faces up to 14 years in prison with hard labor. Sentencing is expected on Thursday. Human rights organizations have condemned the Malawi government's actions. Lawyers promise to appeal to Malawi's high court.

Watch CBS News' report on the case WHEN YOU JUMP ...

Comments

[Trey]

I'm glad that we've at least spoken up on this situation. Say what you want about this administration, but had it been Bush and his boys, nothing would have been said. They'd probably secretly be in agreement. Obama has made our country a little more respected around the world so our voice means something again.

[ff]

I agree with Trey but it would be nice to see some actions behind it. Of course with so many injustices in the world like this, the White House cant be everywhere for everyone. This case though seems even more egregious than most

[Jim]

Rightly or wrongly, the United States has the power to get a suspended sentence for this couple without much effort at all. Already, the Ugandan government dropped the “kill the gays” bill, despite the support of American conservative Christian pastors, and I’m sure that was because of pressure brought by the U.S. government and those of other nations.

The power imbalance between rich nations and poor nations is so great, that to get a poor nation to change course is quite inexpensive. The rich nations have been doing it for decades, usually for selfish ends. At least in this instance, it can be for something just.