“We only have two gays in Malawi”: authorities

Gays should “come out in the open” so they can be arrested, says a Malawian government official.

Following the arrest of a gay couple in December, activists postered the streets of Blantyre with signs that read “gay rights are human rights.” Homosexuality is illegal in Malawi.

Police have made one arrest in relation to the gay-rights posters, and they are looking for a second person, reports the BBC.

“As far as the Malawi government is concerned we only have two gays in Malawi – Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga,” says the government official.

Monjeza and Chimbalanga held a symbolic engagement ceremony on Dec 26, and they were arrrested soon after. The two men were charged with “unnatural practices between males and gross public indecency,” and they face up to 14 years in prison. The trial is due to start soon, reports the BBC.

(h/t to Towleroad)

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