Good news this weekend as the gay Malawi couple who had been sentenced to 14 years of hard labor were pardoned.
Following are statements by the White House and HRC's Joe Solmonese:
The White House is pleased to learn of President Bingu wa Mutharika's pardon of
Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza. These individuals were not criminals and
their struggle is not unique. We must all recommit ourselves to ending the
persecution and criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity. We
hope that President Mutharika's pardon marks the beginning of a new dialogue
which reflects the country's history of tolerance and a new day for lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender rights in Malawi and around the globe.
"It is reprehensible to imprison anyone for who they are or who they love. We salute the leaders who have spoken up for Steven and Tiwonge, particularly members of Congress and State Department officials. This is welcomed news that we hope will reverberate around the world in places -- including our own country -- where LGBT people are targeted for harassment and discrimination."
HRC Religion & Faith Program Director Harry Knox said: "We are grateful for the voices of faith leaders from diverse traditions around the globe who spoke out for compassion and fairness for Tiwonge and Steven. HRC's Religion and Faith Program salutes the coalition of religious and secular organizations in the US that called for the couple's release, and also honors the courage of African faith leaders who have called for true justice in Malawi."
