THE WASHINGTON REVIEW & COMMENTARY: Weekly News From The White House

For Immediate Release                                                                                   May 29, 2010
Statement by the Press Secretary on Today’s Pardoning in Malawi
The White House is pleased to learn of President Bingu wa Mutharika’s pardon of Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza. These individuals were not criminals and their struggle is not unique. We must all recommit ourselves to ending the persecution and criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity. We hope that President Mutharika’s pardon marks the beginning of a new dialogue which reflects the country’s history of tolerance and a new day for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights in Malawi and around the globe.