Restoring Human Rights in Malawi

By Liz Wing on 06/01/2010 @ 12:28 PM

We've talked a lot about Secretary Clinton's vision of the 21st Century Human Rights Agenda, which includes LGBT rights. This week we saw an important moment of international recognition of human rights. The State Department and the White House have issued statements in support of President Bingu wa Mutharika and his decision to pardon two Malawi men, jailed for choosing to live in a committed relationship.

STATE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT

Secretary Clinton: I join President Obama in applauding President Bingu wa Mutharika for his wise and courageous decision to pardon Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza. He has provided an example for nations across Africa and the world as they debate laws that criminalize sexual orientation. Human rights belong to all, and must be respected by all. Sexual orientation and gender identity should under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular executions, arrests or detention. This is a good day for Malawi, for Africa, and for people of conscience everywhere.

WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT

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.

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