Thursday, February 24, 2011

Justice Minister, George Chaponda, says Gays Deserve Death Sentence

President Bingu wa Mutharika: I don't understand homosexuals
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Dr. George Chaponda, tells Zachimalawi that Malawi is not ready for gays and lesbians, and suggests that the "best way to deal with this menace is to impose a death sentence on them".
Chaponda told Zachimalawi (currently in Lilongwe on a tour of duty) that Malawi "will not relent and give in to donors on homosexuals", adding "it is this kind of behaviour that leads to so many moral catastrophes in the world", and vowed to stamp out on pro-gay sentiments.
"As I said last week (at a meeting with media managers held at Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) offices in Blantyre), our country remains a God-fearing nation, and is not ready for this form of modern nonsense. It is shameful and disgraceful that donors want to impose their will on us when, even in the United States, less than six states tolerate homosexuality. These (donor) demands are totally unacceptable," said Chaponda.
Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza: Malawi's first open gays
Asked to suggest a 'eternal' solution, the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister suggested that "Malawi should think about imposing a death penalty on gays and lesbians; otherwise, these people will corrupt our children's minds".
"Simply put, Malawi is not ready for this kind of deplorable behaviour and (we) will do all we can to stop this nonsense. Human rights activists promoting this behaviour are doing so for monetary gain; in fact, they lack high moral principles. We cannot accept that", he added.
Chaponda joins State President Bingu wa Mutharika in speaking out against gays. Mutharika told a religious gathering at the height of the Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza homosexuality trial he did not understand how "normal thinking individuals" could think of becoming gays.
To be punished in Malawi
"Let us condemn this behaviour," Mutharika said.
Today, government still maintains it will not bow to donor pressure and give in on homosexuals.
Government decision to put its foot down has riled some development partners; notably, Germany. Germany has withdrawn approximately K5 billion in aid from Malawi, imploring Mutharika's government to decriminalise homosexuality and reverse anti-press freedom laws.
So far, government has shown no signs of changing, let alone reveiwing, its stand- a position that has also angered the United States government, which has threatened to withhold some substantial amount of aid.
However, Chaponda said government is not moved.
Justice Minister George Chaponda: Let's impose the death sentence on homosexuals
"Malawi is a sovereign state," he told Zachimalawi.

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