White House Denounces Malawi Gay Verdict

Following the State Department's similar statement, the Obama Administration sharply condemned the sentencing of two gay men in Malawi to 14 years at hard labor - for holding an engagement ceremony:

The United States strongly condemns the conviction and harsh sentencing of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga in Malawi. The criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity is unconscionable, and this case mars the human rights record of Malawi. We urge Malawi and all countries to stop using sexual orientation or gender identity as the basis for arrest, detention, or execution.

Thank you, Mr. President and Madam Secretary.

Last week, British gay rights activist Peter Tatchell received this communication from Chimbalanga:

I love Steven so much. If people or the the world cannot give me the chance and freedom to continue living with him as my lover, then I am better off here in prison. Freedom without him is useless and meaningless.

Bless them.

Andrew Sullivan:

The whole thing is a reminder to me of the scale of oppression that the overwhelming majority of gay people still experience on this planet. In the West, we have great arguments about what equality means, priorities among reforms, what the limits of outing are, and the complex nature of human sexuality. For many gay people elsewhere, it is a triumph to stay alive, just as it has been for centuries, let alone find a love that can sustain you through your life.

(Link to Wikipedia article and map added by me.)