Campaigners urge Scotland to consider aid to Malawi after arrest of gay couple
Scotland government has been urged by human rights campaigners to review their £3 million in funding to Malawi each year following the arrest of the first gay couple to marry in the country, Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza.
Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner, told The Scotsman newspaper that there should be “no blank cheque” for countries like Malawi that “violate human rights”.
“I hope the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond will call for the dropping of all charges,” he said.
“If he can make representations to the Malawian ambassador in London and directly to the Malawian president I’m sure it will help ease these men’s plight.
“There’s nothing indecent about two men getting married.”
He added that he hoped the injustice could be resolved by “diplomatic negotiations” but said: “If that fails the UK should reconsider its aid and trade agreements with Malawi.”
“There can be no blank cheque for countries that violate human rights,” he added.
Ros Micklem, Scottish director of the Equality and Humans Rights Commission, also called on the Scottish Government to speak out against the discrimination.
“In our view, criminalising homosexuality is a major barrier to equality and people’s fundamental human rights,” she said.
“This is a view we hope all ambassadors from both Scottish and UK governments not only share but today, and in the coming weeks, will express clearly to their counterparts in Malawi.”
However, homosexuality is illegal in Malawi and carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
Scottish Government spokesman declined to become involved, saying: “The Scottish Government’s co-operation agreement with the government of Malawi identifies priority areas for our development funding, aimed at helping some of the world’s poorest people.
“Any other internal issues are a matter for the government of Malawi.” – (Source; The Scotsman)
Tagged with: Alex Salmond, gay, homosexual, Scotland, Steven Monjeza, Tiwonge Chimbalanga
From the beginning GOD the almighty created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. Thats to tell all the inhabitants of this earth that no man shall be with another man.Ndiye akuti chifukwa they are giving us ndalama ndiye we should fall for it, thats the problem with anthu a ndalama, they choose njira yoti udutse. If you think thats “change” then you have missed it. Ndatha Ine
these funds which come with attachments must be reversed,we dont need you thatchel,who are you to confuse the peale and the law of malawi,donors come to counries basing on programmes they have and have agreed on with the governments of countries,remember thatchel,dont think malawi peaple are stupid,we are watching you,you better watch yourself,you can go to hell with your donors if those are your intentions to malawi peaple,mr president would kindly dig the roots of this man so called thatchel,he must be gay also am very sure,may be is he after some publicity,he wants to be known,unfortunately we dont need your money,we are used to hunger and starvation,after all these so called donor funds dont even reach the poor.think twice thatchel,remember am watching you and malawi is watching you.
Is the Bible the only thing your lives revolve around?
How sad for you,
I hope Maonna’s new School for girls, Helps to Educate and empower these women.
And bring Malawi out of the dark ages,
I have a feeling they are treated like second class citizens along with us gays.
As for funding, Maybe the USA should stop sending your country the $80-100 million a year. This makes me sick to think this is where MY Tax dollars are going.
STOP Discrimination in Malawi!