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Statement on the release of Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza
Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ)
May 30, 2010

GALZ welcomes the unconditional pardon and immediate release from Prison of Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza by Malawian President, Bingu wa Mutharika. The two were convicted for contravening the Malawian Penal Code section 153 "unnatural offences" and section 156 "indecent practices between males" and were serving a prison sentence of 14 years with hard labour.

As chairperson of the African union, President Mutharika's valiant decision should be emulated by leaders of 33 African states that still have laws that discriminate against people on the grounds of sexual orientation.

We applaud President Mutharika for granting reprieve to the two innocent individuals and hail this as a positive step in the repeal of discriminatory laws that violate international human rights principles and specifically article 2 of the African Charter which aims to ensure equality of treatment for individuals irrespective of nationality, sex, racial or ethnic origin, political opinion, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

We urge African leaders to respect, fulfil and uphold the constitutional rights of equality and non discrimination for all citizens including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons in the true spirit of Ubuntu.

Visit the GALZ fact sheet

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