United States ambassador to Malawi, Virginia Palmer, is exerting pressure on the Mutharika Government because of the arrest of two Gay men in the privacy of their house. The US ambassador to Malawi, Virginia Palmer sees it as persecution of gays and a violation of their human rights.
The Ambassador says arresting the gays in their home is illegal and going against the global fund agreement which Malawi President Peter Mutharika endorsed and signed last month.
Something about this meddling from the US Ambassador should rub most Malawians the wrong way even though most of them agree that the Government went too far in arresting the two from the confines of their home.
The president was very much aware of the implication when he was making a deal, he acknowledged that he shall follow the procedures and protect gay rights, it is surprising that today he is arresting the people he assured us to protect.
Below is part of what she said on US Embassy official page;
‘As the U.S. Ambassador to Malawi I am closely following the December 7 arrest of two Malawian citizens who were charged with sodomy in violation of section 153 of the Penal Code and subjected to a medical examination without their consent.
I remind the government of its stated policy not to arrest, detain, charge, or pursue people engaged in consensual same-sex activity. The rights of LGBTI persons are human rights. As a matter of human rights, public health, and public order, LGBTI persons should not be discriminated against in any way.
I urge the government to make good on its international human rights obligations, drop the charges, and resolve this unfortunate incident as quickly as possible’
The US Ambassador is definitely receiving non flattering comments on her Facebook posting. Many Malawians sees this as simply meddling from big brother. Many comments are encouraging her to pack up and leave.
Sample of Facebook Comments
Moses Mphatso Lobby the government to have those laws repealed in parliament but don’t ask our government to pick and choose which laws to enforce. That’s anarchy. Outdated laws must be repealed through parliament or through court challenges but not through arbitrary actions by government.
Lobby parliament. Or go to court and have these laws challenged on constitutional grounds. Follow the democratic process.
Mackson Junior Harawa Stupid
Bright Von Vincentio Goliati tilibe pulobulemu..pitani ndi aid yanuyo uko!
James Jimmy Magwira stupid ambassador packup and go with ur aid.if u want that why ur seif ur a married woman? are u aresbian?
Dymon Kachule Zondiyamba dala ine sindikufuna wanva chinzimayi iwe #ndingalakwepo_apa
Khudzumba Chimwemwe Salilika Homosexuality is simply not African. We regard that as a taboo, just like polygamy is a taboo in US, we respect that but in Malawi, in some tribes it is practiced and is not taboo. If Malawi law says polygamy is not taboo, just like US says gayism is not taboo, let is remain so and let us learn to mind our business!!!!!
