 about malawi
official name: Republic of Malawi
capital: Lilongwe
head of state: President Bingu wa Mutharika
state: multi party
population: 12,158,924
independence: from Britain in 1964
languages: English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages important regionally
religion: Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, indigenous beliefs
currency: Malawian kwacha (MWK)
media: NA
legal wise
status of homosexuality: illegal
age of consent:
laws covering homosexual activity: Section 153 Penal Code, which prohibits "unnatural offences", and Section 156 concerning "public decency", are used to punish homosexual acts. It is reported that, in the past, Europeans who committed homosexual acts with Malawis were prosecuted under Article 156 and expelled as undesirable aliens.
background information and government attitudes: NA
communication
main lines in use: 45,000 (2000)
cellular telephones: 49,000 (2000).
Radio broadcast stations: AM 9, FM 5 (plus 15 repeater stations), shortwave 2 (plus a third station held in standby status) (2001).
Radios: 2.6 million (1997).
Television broadcast stations: 1 (2001).
Televisions: n.a.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 3 (2002).
Internet users: 35,000 (2002).
links and contacts
NA
Articles:
 legalize homosexuality says human rights body
by Mask Admin 21/11/2005
January 28, 2005: Malawi Human Rights Resources Centre (MHRRC) has proposed to Malawi Law Commission to legalise homosexuality in the country, currently an offence under the penal code.
in defence of mhrrc on homosexuality
by Mask Admin 2/3/2005
March 2005: There are some issues that get a lot of reaction from the public and issues of homosexuality is one of them and for a good reason-it's what might be called, 'controversial'.
full of promise
by Mask Admin 14/7/2004
July 14, 2004: A recent report emanating from the University of Pretoria reveals that the Malawi's National Policy on HIV/Aids (2002) holds much promise for LGBT legal reforms in relation to combating HIV/Aids.
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Jessica Stern, researcher for Human Rights Watch Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program
