Thousands Attend Protests in Defense of Marriage and Sexuality in Malawi
Religious bodies including Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Evangelical Association of Malawi, Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) and Quadria Association of Malawi organized the protests
Thousands of people from different religious denominations have participated in demonstrations against any attempts to legalize same sex marriages in Malawi.
Religious bodies including Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Evangelical Association of Malawi, Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) and Quadria Association of Malawi organized the protests in defense of a marriage between a man and woman.
The religious leaders, Arch Bishop Thomas Msusa of the Catholic Church and MAM spokesperson Sheikh Dinala Chabulika have since asked the Malawi parliament to put in place laws that will protect a marriage, family and human sexuality.
Archbishop Msusa said the country should never be influenced by foreigners to allow same sex marriages.
“Our stand is clear. We will not allow same sex marriages in Malawi,” said the ArchBishop.
The sentiments were echoed by Word Alive Church leader, Pastor Zacc Kawalala who together with others graced the Blantyre protests despite a very cold weather coupled with some rains.
In Chikwawa, the Catholic Bishop Peter Musikuwa presented the petition to the district commissioner on behalf of all churches there while in Nsanje, pastors Julius Damison and Wales Makwenemba of the Evangelical Association of Malawi led and presented the petition to Nsanje district commissioner, Dominic Mwandira.
The peaceful demonstrations also took place in Zomba, Mwanza, Machinga, Mangochi, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.
Meanwhile, Nyasa Rainbow Alliance, an organisation that advocates for minority rights fears that the demonstrations will fuel violence against gays and lesbians in the country.
The organisation leader, Eric Sambisa said it is worrisome that the religious leaders are in the forefront doing things that would violate the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals among others.
“We are fearing that today’s demonstrations will promote violence against the community which is already disadvantaged,” said Sambisa.
This comes when a homosexuality case is in court seeking the legalization same sex relationships and ensure that gays, lesbians and others enjoy their rights including health in Malawi.
The case is being heard by a panel of three judges, Joseph Chigona, Chimbizgani Kacheche and Vikochi Chima and it will be back in court from 17 to 19 July, 2023 in Blantyre.
