THE GUARDIAN: Two men arrested after symbolic ceremony last month could face up to 14 years in jail
A court in Malawi today denied bail to two men arrested after becoming the first gay couple to marry in the conservative African country.
Magistrate Nyakwawa Usiwausiwa told a packed court that he could not grant the couple bail, saying the ruling was for their own protection. "The public out there is angry with them," Usiwausiwa said.
Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza committed to marriage in a symbolic ceremony in southern Malawi last month, attracting hundreds of onlookers. They were arrested at the home they share and charged with unnatural practices between males and gross public indecency.
Government prosecutors had asked the court to detain the couple for a longer period to allow for more investigations.
Police said the two men had been taken for medical tests to prove whether they had sexual intercourse. The men's lawyer has pledged to resist any such tests. "Unless they give their consent to the medical examination, we will protest," Noel Supedi said.
The case has generated huge interest in Malawi. Suzanne Worrica, a British spectator in court, said: "The crowd atmosphere was again hostile, taunting Tiwonge and Steven, although some gay rights campaigners were present, who gave them money." >>> (with video) David Smith, Africa correspondent | Monday, January 04, 2010
