The Homosexuality Debate in Malawi

Hamburu Mawerenga

Description

Homosexuality is a cross-cutting challenge to Malawian society with theological, socio-cultural, economic, legal, political, and human rights implications. This book argues that the solution to the homosexuality debate in Malawi does not lie in either the criminalization or decriminalization of homosexuality; neither does it lie in homophobia nor heterophobia. However, the solution to the homosexuality debate lies in achieving a harmonious co-existence of both heterosexuals and homosexuals by practicing mutual tolerance. The book concludes by suggesting various activities to be taken by: The Government of Malawi; Gay Rights Activists; Religious Leaders; Traditional Leaders; and Malawian Society to ensure the aforementioned tolerance and understanding is encouraged.

Sujets

• Sexualité
• Homosexualité
• Sexualité
• Sexuality
• sexualité

Informations

• Publié par: Mzuni Press
• Date de parution: 14 juin 2018
• Nombre de lectures: 3
• EAN13: 9789996060175
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 6 Mo

Extrait

The Homosexuality Debate
Jones Mawerenga
in Malawi
Jones Hamburu Mawerenga was born on 27th
May 1978 in Zomba. He is married to Lydia
Mbizi. They have two daughters: Tawonga and The Homosexuality Debate
Glory. He holds a BA in Theology obtained in
2003 from Global University, USA, MA in
Theology obtained in 2008 from the Global School of Theology, in Malawi
RSA, and a PhD Degree in Theology and Religious Studies
obtained in 2017 from Mzuzu University, Malawi. He is
currently a lecturer of Systematc Theology and Ethics at Chan -
cellor College, University of Malawi.
All over the world homosexuality is a hotly debated issue and
the legal positons vary from recognized gay marriage to
homosexuality being a criminal offence, as it is the case in
Malawi.
This book, writen by a theologian, presents, for the first tme,
the Malawian debate in full and puts it into a worldwide
perspectve.
This book is part of Mzuni Press
which offers a range of books on Jones Hamburu Mawerenga
religion, culture and society
from Malawi





The Homosexuality Debate in Malawi









Copyright 2018 Jones Hamburu Mawerenga
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without
prior permission from the publishers.
Published by
Mzuni Press
P/Bag 201 Luwinga
Mzuzu 2
ISBN 978-99960-60-16-8
eISBN 978-99960-60-17-5
The Mzuni Press is represented outside Malawi by:
African Books Collective Oxford
([e-mail])
www.africanbookscollective.com
wwwwww..mmzuzunniipprreessss..bblloogsgsppoott..ccoom m
Printed in Malawi by Baptist Publications, P.O. Box 444, Lilongwe The Homosexuality Debate
in Malawi
Jones Hamburu Mawerenga



Mzuni Books no. 28
Mzuzu
201 8Dedication
This work is dedicated to thLeGB TI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, and Interse )x community in Malawi which is fighting for
recognition and acceptance in society.
4 Acknowledgements
I am thankful to God for granting me the strength, good health,
knowledge and wisdom during the time of writing this book.
My heartfelt acknowledgement goes to Lydia Mbizi Mawerenga, m y
wife, great friend, and colleague in the ministry for giving m e the
support in all areas of my life. I will always be grateful to God for giving
me such a wonderful wife.
I am also thankful to our two daughters: Tawonga and Glory who
endured the loss of filial friendship with their dad during the time of
writing book.
I am in debted to the Department of Theology and Religious Studie s
(TRS), at Mzuzu University (Mzuni), where I studied for my PhD on the
topic on “A Critical Evaluation of the Homosexual Debate in Malawi.” I
acknowledge Rev Dr Winston Kawale, my first supervisor, for his
valueble academic guidance and critique throughout the process. I also
appreciate the contributions o fDr Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, m y
second supervisor, for her academic and moral support throughout this
process.
I acknowledge the contributions of Prof. Klaus Fiedler, Director o tfhe
Postgraduate Programme in Theology and Religious Studies at Mzuzu
University for his academic guidance and encouragement in turning the
original dissertation into a book.
I am finally grateful to all students of Chancellor College, University o f
Malawi, whom I have taught Systematic Theology. I always enjoy th e
academic fun I have with them through academic arguments and
written assignments.

5 Abbreviations
ACCA Anglican Church of Central Africa
ACPHR African Charter of People's and Human Rights
AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
AU African Union
CCAP Church of Central Africa Presbyterian
CEDEP Center for the Development of the People
CHRR Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation
DPP Democratic Progressive Party
EAM Evangelical Association of Malawi
ECM Episcopal Conference of Malawi
ECHR European Court of Human Rights
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
ICCPR International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
LGBT Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons
MAM Muslim Association of Malawi
MBC Malawi Broadcasting Corporation
MCC Malawi Council of Churches
MCP Malawi Congress Party
MLS Malawi Law Society
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
PAC Public Affairs Committee
PP Peoples Party
UDF United Democratic Front
UDHR Universal Declaration of Human Rights
6 Contents
Introduction 11
CChahaptpteerr 1 1: : GGeenenerraall D Diissccususssiioonsns o on Hn Hoommoosseexxuaualliitty y 1212
Sexual Orientation 12
Definitions of Homosexuality 14
Types of Homosexuals 15
ThThe De Diisstitinncctitioonn b betetweweenen I Innvvererssiioonn a anndd PPerervvererssiioon n 117 7
Homosexual Practice or Behaviour 17
Homosexual Orientation and the Homosexual Act 21
CCauausseess oof f HHoommoosseexxuualitality y 222 2
Sexual Orientation Change 38
Natural Law Morality and Homosexuality 44
Conclusion 53
CChahaptpteerr 2 2: : TThehe H Hoommoosseexxuuaalliittyy D Deebabattee i in Man Mallaawwi i 5454
Introduction
Legal Status of Homosexuality in Malawi 54
HHoommoosseexxuualitalityy OOffeffenncceess inin MMalawalawi i 556 6
Pro-Homosexuality Arguments in Malawi 65
Anti-Homosexuality Responses in the Debate 83
HHoommoosseexxuualitalityy anandd HHeealtalth h 10103 3
Homosexuality and Donor Aid to Malawi 107
Homophobic Practices against Homosexuals in Malawi 113
Blackmail, Extortion and Homosexuality in Malawi 121
CCoonncclulussioion n 12123 3
Chapter 3: The Prevalence of Homosexuality in Malawi 124
7 Introduction
Prevalence of Homosexuality in Malawi 124
PPrerevvalealennccee oof f HHoommoosseexxuualitalityy inin CCoonntteemmppooraryrary MMalaalawwiianan
CCoommmmuunniittiiees s 12127 7
Prevalence of Homosexuality in Educational Institutions 135
Prevalence of Homosexuality in Malawian Prisons 140
FFacacttoorsrs wwhhicichh PPrroommoottee HHoommoosseexxuualitalityy inin MMalawalawi i 15150 0
Conclusion 156
Chapter 4: The Homosexuality Debate in Africa 157
Introduction
The Notion that Homosexuality is Un-African 157
The Notion that Homosexuality is African 196
Conclusion 204
CChahaptpteerr 5 5: : IIntnteerrnanattiioonanall D Deebabattee o on Hn Humumaan Rn Riigghthtss a and Hnd Hoommoosseexxuaualliittyy
205
Introduction
Human Rights and Homosexuality 205
ThThe Ie Innterternnaatitioonnaall DDebebaatte e oonn H Hoommoossexuexuaalliitty y 22222 2
Conclusion 273
Chapter 6: Homosexuality, the Bible and the Quran 274
Introduction
The Old Testament and Homosexuality 274
The New Testament and Homosexuality 310
Homosexuality in the City of Corinth 327
Homosexuality in Islam: Qur'an, Hadith and Sharia 344
8 Chapter 7: Religious Communities' Debate on Homosexuality 352
Introduction
PPrrooggrresesssiioonn o off th the He Hoommoosseexuxuaalliityty DDebebaatte ie inn C Chhrriisstitiaanniitty y 35352 2
Progression of the Homosexuality Debate in Islam 386
Conclusion 393
Chapter 8: A Critical Analysis 395
Introduction
Divergent Definitions of the Term "Homosexuality" and the
Homosexual Debate 395
The Debate on Causes of Homosexuality 399
Pro-Gay Organizations Use of Human Rights Instruments 405
Decriminalization of Homosexuality in Malawi 413
Homosexuality in Relation to Malawian and African Culture 420
RReeligligioionn anandd HHoommoosseexxuualitality y 42424 4
The Future of the Homosexuality Debate 443
Chapter 9: Conclusion and Implications 453
Introduction
Implications 454
Bibliography 458
Oral Sources 458
ThTheseseses,, D Diisssseerrttaattiioonnss aanndd PPaappeerrs s 45458 8
Letters, Minutes and Newspapers 459
Books 468
PPeeririooddicicalals s 48481 1
Web Sources 490
9
10 Introduction
Homosexuality is a cross-cutting challenge to Malawian society with
theological, socio-cultural, economic, legal, political, and human rights
implications. The aim of the book is to critically evaluate the
homosexual debate in Malawi.
The book argues that there are two polarized positions in the
homosexuality debate in Malawi: pro-homosexuality and
anti-homosexuality. On one hand, the pro-homosexual position is championed by
gay rights activists, liberal religious people, the western diplomatic
community, donor agencies, and the LGBTI community in Malawi. They
are basically arguing for the legalization of homosexuality in Malawi. On
the other hand, the anti-homosexual position is championed by the
government which maintains the laws that criminalize homosexuality,
conservative religious groups, and traditional leaders. They are arguing
for the continued criminalization of homosexuality in Malawi.
The book has demonstrated that homosexuality is prevalent in Malawi,
Africa, and the entire world. On one