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malawi

about malawi

official name: Republic of Malawi
capital: Lilongwe
head of state: President Bingu wa Mutharika
state: multi party
population: 10,5 million
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

mainline telephones: 37,000 (1997)
cellular telephones: 7,000 (1997)
internet country code: .mw
internet service providers: 8 (2001)
internet users: 10,000 (2000)

links and contacts
NA

in defence of mhrrc on homosexuality
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'. More...

legalize homosexuality says human rights body
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. More...

full of promise
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. More…

no to prison condoms
June 2, 2003: According to the African Church Information Service leading clergy in Malawi have condemned proposals by some members of parliament, that condoms be freely distributed to inmates around the country's prisons, to check the spread of HIV/AIDS, following rampant homosexual practices in the institutions. More...

lgbt organisation launched
Undated: The Blantyre based National League for Democracy and Development (NLDD) in Malawi has launched a 'pilot project' promoting gay equality in that country. More...

‘strange behaviour’ in malawi
November 11, 1999: According to Raphael Tenthani, correspondent for PANA, ‘sex tourists’ spark a media backlash against homosexual activity in Malawi with women journalists at the forefront of the battle. More...