Activist authors book to stimulate ‘healthy’ debate on homosexuality: Malawi to hold public inquiry

Malawian activist Lyson Sibande has for the past few years spent time on research and studies that has now borne a book whose sole aim is to stimulate a healthy debate on homosexuality issues in the region.

Sibande: Book will stimulate healthy debate
Sibande: Book will stimulate healthy debate
Solicitor General Kanet Chikaya-Banda: We want to hear the views of Malawians on homosexuality laws
Solicitor General Kanet Chikaya-Banda: We want to hear the views of Malawians on homosexuality laws

Homosexuality remains a controversial topic in Malawi. Despite tumult by activists, the law in Malawi subjects people engaged in the acts with a minimum sentence of 14 years imprisonment with hard labour.

The first public gay engagement was between Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steve Monjeza which invited local outrage.

The two were arrested but were later given a suspended sentence after international rights groups intervention.

In his book,   ‘Homosexuality in Africa: A Political, Religious, Cultural Dilemma’,  Sibande argues that Malawians have been so sensational about the issue.

He said people in the country misunderstand the homosexuality thing.

“In the book I am attempting to resolve a dilemma between politics,  culture and religion which has risen following the gay rights movement,” Sibande told Nyasa Times.

He said there is need for objective and sober perspective and the filling of the ignorance gap to facilitate a healthy gay debate.

Sibande said: “I strongly feel that people need extra knowledge and facts if they must handle the gay rights debate intelligently and meaningfully.”

The book will be published by Distinction Media,  and Sibande is expected to make a presentation at the Centre for Development of the People (Cedep) tenth anniversary in Lilongwe on December 10.

Inquiry

Meanwhile, Solcitor General Janet Banda has confirmed that government will conduct public inquirires into whether  the country’s anti-homosexual laws should be repealed or not.

Banda said government will solicit views from Malawians but will not call for a ballot, saying it is not a referendum.

According to Banda, state-funded Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) will conduct the public inquries on the homosexuality issues.

“We want to find out the views of the people on the issue and whether we need tpo change the law as it stand today,” Solicitor General Banda said.

MHRC executive secrtary Grace Malera said they will soon invite stakeholders to discuss the format of the inquiries.

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Chibalo
7 years ago

Sibande! We dont need any book in Malawi to conduct what you call health debate on issues of Gayism. I want to tell you that you have wasted alot of time writing your book which as Malawians we dont need.Truth be told,when you mention gays or homosexuality issues in our Society, trust me young but wasted man,there is nothing like a “Healthy debate” infact the debate automatically becomes very unhealthy and dangerous to our already burdened society with pertinent problems of poverty, hunger,unemployment,Lack of medicine in hospitals and bed space. You know Sibande,the Black outs that are seriously haunting us… Read more »

Maunits
Maunits
7 years ago

We Tongas are beautiful mwana. Look at her how beautiful she is.

Delilah Samson
Delilah Samson
7 years ago

Beautiful lady

Prophesy Says
Prophesy Says
7 years ago

This is a good idea. Let MHRC do this and put the matter to eternal rest.

Harawara
Harawara
7 years ago

There is nothing new in the book. There are two groups on the matter those for pro-gay and those against it. If democracy is the rule of the majority then those against homosexual have it. America, the champion of rights and democracy rejected leaders who support gayism and abortion. We can do the same here. Faithful christians and moslems can NOT vote for leaders who support what God forbids

Masozi Mwenifumbo
Masozi Mwenifumbo
7 years ago

Woe to you who calls evil good and good evil! Repent as soon as possible, for Jesus Christ is coming soon to judge this wicked demonically oriented world of Antichrists and New World Order evil minded satanists and illuminatis false apostles, false prophets, false christs, false evangelists, false teachers, who think worldy wisdom is still better than the simple and straight Word Of God, WHEN GOD HAS CLEARLY SAID THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD HAS BEEN MADE FOOLISH BY GOD HIMSELF- 1 Cor 1:20! You lovers of money and human praise! Don’t you still know that the love of money… Read more »

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