Madonna, after hearing the news that a gay couple in Malawi were sent to bars because of their sexual orientation, made a stand and helped them to be set free. The Malawian couple were sentenced to 14 years hard labor for the "crime" of "homosexuality". Homosexuality is still illegal in the African country for according to the government it is indecent and is an unnatural act. On May 21, Madonna made a response to the Malawi Court's Decision and launched a vocal campaign to free the two men.
"I am shocked and saddened by the decision made today by the Malawian court, which sentenced two innocent men to prison.
As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation.
Today, Malawi took a giant step backward. The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support our basic human right to love and be loved.
I call upon the progressive men and women of Malawi—and around the world—to challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all."
Today, Madonna is celebrating the release of the couple, Steven Monjenza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga. Thousands of people joined the singer's mission and it resulted for the President of Malawi to free the couple on "humanitarian" grounds. But activists are now concerned for their safety and are now looking for a safe place for them to live together.
Shortly after the release, Madonna thank the thousands of people who had joined her campaign to release the two men.
She wrote: “In the last week, over 30,000 of you added your name to mine calling for the release of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalangal – the Malawi couple sentenced to 14 years hard labour for the ‘crime’ of homosexuality.
“With incredible joy, I am writing to share with you that Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika has ordered their release.'
Although Monjeza and Chimbalanga are out of prison, activists are still working to find a safe haven for the couple.
'Though they are free from prison, sadly their safety and future in Malawi is still unknown. I hope this is just the beginning of our work together,' Madonna added.
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