CAPE TOWN: Malawi lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists are hopeful that the justice ministry's decision to stop enforcing anti-homosexuality laws pending a review could be a watershed moment for the small southern African country. “We are so excited that this could be a turning point that will allow Africans the ability to live their as they see fit,” lesbian and Malawi activist Yorni T told Bikyamasr.com in Cape Town, South Africa on Monday after hearing the news. “It's amazing and if we can get a repeal of this barbaric law that means many people can go home,” she added. International human rights organization Amnesty International called the move “historic” in praising the country's Justice Minister for suspending the laws as the government will look at whether or not to repeal them. The London-based rights group said it was “a historic step in the fight against discrimination in the country.” Justice Minister Ralph Kasambara said he wanted debate on the issue before parliament decides whether to keep the laws or not. “Amnesty International welcomes Minister Kasambara's statement and hopes it serves as the first step towards ending discrimination and persecution based on real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity in Malawi," said Noel Kututwa, Amnesty International's southern Africa director. Sections 153 and 156 of Malawi's Penal Code criminalize same sex sexual conduct between men and those convicted face up to 14 years imprisonment, with or without corporal punishment. Section 137A of Malawi's Penal Code criminalizes “indecent practices between females," with anyone found guilty liable to a prison term of five years. “We urge the government not to lose momentum on this basic human rights issue and to ensure the full repeal of these discriminatory and hate-filled laws," said Kututwa. In 2010, two persons were sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in Malawi on charges related to same sex sexual conduct. They were later pardoned following international condemnation. For the Malawi LGBT community, many of whom live in exile, there is hope on a continent where the LGBT community has long faced harassment and attacks.
