By Chancy Namadzunda:
The Nyasa Rainbow Alliance (NRA) said is worried with continued maintenance of repressive laws which criminalize same sex relationships among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex or Questioning (LGBTIQ+) community in Malawi.
According to statement on the status of Human Right of LGBTIQ+ community in the country signed by NRA Executive Director, Eric Sambisa, Malawi has been refusing or neglecting calls to address the growing condemnation from both local and international human rights activists, despite being a United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council member.
Among others, he pointed out government continued use of culture, tradition and religion to justify the denial of basic rights of the LGBTIQ+ persons in the country.
He cited Penal Code of Malawi (Cap: 7:01 of the Laws of Malawi) in sections 137A, 153, 154, and 156 which criminalize homosexuality and other consensual activities among adults as some examples of repressive laws.
“This is contrary to the dictates of the constitution which guarantees to everyone the right to equal protection, and to be recognized as a person before the law, and the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of one’s status.
“As a result, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) people in the country face routine harassment, violence and discrimination in almost all aspects of their daily lives. It is against this background that NRA which is an LGBTIQ+ led organization in the country seeks to address the media and public on the status of human rights related issues affecting the lives of LGBTIQ+ persons in the country,” he stated.
