Malawi: Court’s decision to keep same-sex relations ban is ‘bitter setback’ for human rights

‘The court’s refusal to overturn these laws means LGBTI people in Malawi will continue to face discrimination and persecution simply for who they love’ - Khanyo Farise

Reacting to the Malawi Constitutional Court's decision to uphold the country’s ban on same-sex relations between consenting adults, Khanyo Farise, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, said:

"The court’s decision to keep these discriminatory laws on the books is a bitter setback for human rights in Malawi.

 "The ruling flies in the face of Malawi’s constitution, the African Charter and international human rights law - all of which clearly prohibit discrimination. It also makes Malawi an outlier in Southern Africa, where most countries have decriminalised consensual same-sex sexual conduct.

"The court’s refusal to overturn these laws means LGBTI people in Malawi will continue to face discrimination and persecution simply for who they love.

“This ruling translates to continued barriers in access to healthcare and other social services for LGBTI people.

“Amnesty stands with all LGBTI people in Malawi, who deserve the right to live their lives with dignity and full humanity. We demand the authorities ensure their safety in the face of threats of violence.”