November 5, 2012 | Sex & Society

Malawi reconsidering anti-gay laws

Today the Malawi government decided to suspend the country's laws against homosexuality, and told police not to arrest gays. It said it was reconsidering the current prohibition on same-sex relationships and would discuss a possible repeal of the law. The reason: international pressure and declining foreign aid.

Until now, anyone convicted of the crime of homosexuality faced up to 14 years in prison. However, Justice Minister Ralph Kasambara now says he think the law should be debated in the legislature.

"If we continue arresting and prosecuting people based on the said laws and later such laws are found to be unconstitutional it would be an embarrassment to government," he said. "It is better to let one criminal get away with it rather than throw a lot of innocent people in jail."

The international community started withholding funds to the impoverished country in 2010, after two men were arrested and charged with public indecency after publicly married.

Joyce Banda (pictured), the country's current president, promised to repeal the law if she won the election. Let's hope she's a woman of her word.

Malawi suspends laws against homosexual relationships [BBC]