BBC News continues to describe them as "2 men" (2.21 a.m.)
I am, of course, delighted that Stephen and Tiwo have been released, but they're not out of the woods yet; there is a lot of homophobic sentiment in Malawi, and unless a 'safe house' can be found for them, their physical safety is very uncertain. There are calls for them to be offered asylum outside of Malawi, and enquiries are being made,but nothing is definite yet.
And yes, I have noticed that Tiwo is still being misgendered by the various news agencies; I've just written to the BBC to point this out.
Suzybean; it was I who used the word "barbaric"; I was referring to the behaviour of the Malawi government and legal system. I didn't intend to apply it to all Malawians, and certainly not to all Africans.
I know that intent is not magical -not meaning to cause offence doesn't mean that offence won't be caused - so I offer no excuse, but I sincerely apologise for causing you offence.
And yes, I have noticed that Tiwo is still being misgendered by the various news agencies; I've just written to the BBC to point this out.
Suzybean; it was I who used the word "barbaric"; I was referring to the behaviour of the Malawi government and legal system. I didn't intend to apply it to all Malawians, and certainly not to all Africans.
I know that intent is not magical -not meaning to cause offence doesn't mean that offence won't be caused - so I offer no excuse, but I sincerely apologise for causing you offence.
Disgraceful. I really hope that poor couple are able to leave Malawi and find peace and safety somewhere more enlightened.
I am also sorry for being upset...I'm not even from Malawi...I have no idea what goes on there. This is my friend's take on things (via a facebook thread). He is a Human Rights Lawyer based in Zambia (not far from Malawi) so I think he is more informed than me....Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika is the Malawian President.
"Bingu wa Mutharika did try to understand the situation ... this was not about Gay rights it was about cultural imperialism .... people are arrested and ridiculed in the West for polygamy (common in Malawi) which is a cultural belief. No one makes mention of the fact that this was a traditional wedding ceremony attended by many others .... the Malawians only lost the plot when they were TOLD what to do. A polite request in person by Ban ki Moon and it was all over! although Zim does have a slightly different perspective http://www.thezimbabwemail.com/zimbabwe/5340.html"
"Bingu wa Mutharika did try to understand the situation ... this was not about Gay rights it was about cultural imperialism .... people are arrested and ridiculed in the West for polygamy (common in Malawi) which is a cultural belief. No one makes mention of the fact that this was a traditional wedding ceremony attended by many others .... the Malawians only lost the plot when they were TOLD what to do. A polite request in person by Ban ki Moon and it was all over! although Zim does have a slightly different perspective http://www.thezimbabwemail.com/zimbabwe/5340.html"