Former Zomba City Parliamentary aspirant, Sudi Sulaimana, yesterday (Tuesday) gave Steven Monjeza K100,000 as a start up package for his family, a week after the pardoned gay announced his decision to marry a Blantyre-based lady, Dorothy Gulo.
Monjeza was pardoned by President Bingu wa Mutharika alongside Tiwonge Chimbalanga. The two became the first Malawians to be convicted and sentenced to 14 years inprisonment with hard labour on charges of gross indecency and having sex against the order of nature.
Monjeza then surprised the world when he announced that he had changed his mind over the relationship with Chimbalanga, and would now share the rest of his life with Gulo.
The decision angered Chimbalanga, who accused Monjeza of trying to 'break my heart, because he knows that we were in real love'.
Sulaimana told Zachimalawi when he presented the K100, 000 he dicided to help out because he was pleased with Monjeza's decision to abandon "evil, and seek out the best thing in the world: a wife".
"I am happy that Monjeza realised that homosexuality was not the best way of going on with life, and has decided to find a 'real' partner in life. It is a good decision he has made," said Sulaimana.
He added: "Actually, I realised that he (Monjeza) has been going through hardships in terms of finances, and (I) felt that the best way to help them start their family is to give them some cash. I am really happy for them (Monjeza and Dorothy)," said Sulaimana.
Since their pardoning some three weeks ago, Chimbalanga and Monjeza have been living in separate places; Chimbalanga in Lilongwe with some well-wishers while Monjeza has been staying in Blantyre, left to fend for himself.
In an interview, Monjeza expressed his disappointment with the treatment people have been according Chimbalanga, saying, of the two, he is the one who has been going through thick and thin.
"But I am happy, anyway, that people have started coming out to help. It will really give me a heady start in marriage with Dorothy. People should know that I am now in love, and will not abandon Dorothy. We are in it forever," said Monjeza.
He asked other people to follow suit.
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Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Sharia Law for Non-Muslims
WOMEN—CHAPTER 3
ISLAMIC SCHOLARS CLAIM:
Sharia laws concerning women is the rule of law in Islamic families.
Islam was the first civilization to provide and guarantee women's rights.
Mohammed gave the world the perfect example of how women are protected in Islam.
Muslim women are treasured and as treasures must be protected from the evils of the kafir world.
The rights of Muslim women come from Allah.
THE SHARIA: Sharia law has different laws for different groups of people. Women are one of its special classes.
wife beating
Islam's grand vision about women is given in one verse of the Koran:
Koran 4:34 Allah has made men superior to women because men spend their wealth to support them. Therefore, virtuous women are obedient, and they are to guard their unseen parts as Allah has guarded them. As for women whom you fear will rebel, admonish them first, and then send them to a separate bed, and then beat them. But if they are obedi-ent after that, then do nothing further; surely Allah is exalted and great!
THE SHARIA: dealing with a rebellious wife
m10.12 When a husband notices signs of rebelliousness in his wife whether in words as when she answers him coldly when she used to do so politely, or he asks her to come to bed and she refuses, con-trary to her usual habit; or whether in acts, as when he finds her averse to him when she was previously kind and cheerful, he warns her in words without keeping from her or hitting her, for it may be that she has an excuse.
The warning could be to tell her, "Fear Allah concerning the rights you owe to me,"
or it could be to explain that rebelliousness nullifies his obligation to support her and give her a turn amongst other wives, or it could be to inform her, "Your obeying me is religiously obligatory".
If she commits rebelliousness, he keeps from sleeping (having sex) with her and refuses to speak to her, and may hit her, but not in a way that injures her, meaning he may not bruise her, break bones, wound her, or cause blood to flow. It is unlawful to strike another's face. He may hit her whether she is rebellious only once or whether more than once, though a weaker opinion holds that he may not hit her unless there is repeated rebelliousness.
Ishaq969 He [Mohammed] also told them men had rights over their wives and women had rights over their husbands. The wives were never to commit adultery or act in a sexual manner toward others. If they did, they were to be put in separate rooms and beaten lightly. If they refrained from what was forbidden, they had the right to food and clothing. Men were to lay injunctions on women lightly for they were prisoners of men and had no control over their persons.
[Abu Dawud 11, 2142] Mohammed said: A man will not be asked as to why he beat his wife.
[Bukhari 7,62,132] The Prophet said, "None of you should flog his wife as he flogs a slave and then have sexual intercourse with her in the last part of the day." Most of those in Hell will be women.
THE DOCTRINE OF WOMEN
There are many ways in which the woman does not have full stature in Sharia law:
022.1 The necessary qualifications for being an Islamic judge are:
(a) to be a male freeman […]
04.9 The indemnity for the death or injury of a woman is one-half the indemnity paid for a man.
[Bukhari 3,48,826] Mohammed asked, "Is not the value of a woman's eye-witness testimony half that of a man's?" A woman said, "Yes." He said, "That is because a woman's mind is deficient."
L10.3 They divide the universal share so that the male receives the por-tion of two females.
Koran 4:11 It is in this manner that Allah commands you concerning your children: A male should receive a share equal to that of two fe-males, [...]
This hadith equates camels, slaves and women.
[Abu Dawud 11, 2155] Mohammed said: If one of you mar-ries a woman or buys a slave, he should say: "O Allah, I ask You for the good in her, and in the disposition You have given her; I take refuge in You from the evil in her, and in the disposition You have given her." When he buys a camel, he should take hold of the top of its hump and say the same kind of thing.
Women are inferior to men in intelligence and religion.
[Bukhari 1,6,301] While on his way to pray, Mohammed passed a group of women and he said, "Ladies, give to charities and donate money to the unfortunate, because I have witnessed that most of the people in Hell are women.
They asked, "Why is that?"
He answered, "You swear too much, and you show no grati-tude to your husbands. I have never come across anyone more lacking in intelligence, or ignorant of their religion than women. A careful and intelligent man could be misled by many of you."
They responded, "What exactly are we lacking in intelligence or faith?"
Mohammed said, "Is it not true that the testimony of one man is the equal to the testimony of two women?"
After they affirmed that this was true, Mohammed said, "That illustrates that women are lacking in intelligence. Is it not also true that women may not pray nor fast during their men-strual cycle?" They said that this was also true.
Mohammed then said, "That illustrates that women are lack-ing in their religion."
A woman's testimony is worth half that of a man.
Koran 2:282 Believers! When you contract a loan for a certain period, write it down, or to be fair, let a scribe write it down. The scribe should not re-fuse to write as Allah has taught him; therefore, let the scribe record what the debtor dictates being mindful of his duty to Allah and not re-ducing the amount he owes. If the debtor is ignorant and unable to dic-tate, let his guardian do so with fairness. Call two men in to witness this, but if two men cannot be found, then call one man and two women whom you see fit to be witnesses. Therefore, if either woman makes an error, the other can correct her [...]
FEMAL GENITAL MUTILATION, FEMALE CIRCUMCISION
It is unfortunate that the term circumcision is applied to both the re-moval of the foreskin of the male and the removal of the clitoris of the woman. There is no comparison.
[Bukhari 7,72,779] Mohammed said, "Five practices are characteristics of the ancient prophets: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, cutting the moustaches short, clipping the nails, and depilating the hair of the armpits."
This hadith refers to the circumcision of female genitalia. It assumes that both the man and the woman are circumcised.
[Muslim 003,0684] [...] Abu Musa then said, "When is a bath obligatory?" Aisha responded, "You have asked the right person. Mohammed has said that a bath is obligatory when a man is encompassed by a woman and their circumcised genitalia touch."
Circumcision is part of the Sharia law. Here is the deceptive transla-tion:
e4.3 Circumcision is obligatory for both men and women. For men it con-sists of removing the prepuce from the penis, and for women, remov-ing the prepuce of the clitoris (not the clitoris itself, as some mistak-enly assert).
However what the Arabic actually says is:
e4.3 Circumcision is obligatory (for every male and female) by cutting off the piece of skin on the glans of the penis of the male, but circumcision of the female is by cutting out the clitoris (this is called Hufaad)."
This deceptive translation obscures the Sharia law. This deception is called taqiyya, a form of sacred deception.
At the battle of Badr, we have a reference to the custom of removing the clitoris.
Ishaq 564 Hamza said, 'Come here, you son of a female circumciser.' Now his mother was Umm Anmar, a female circumciser (one who circumcised girls) in Mecca. Then Hamza smote him and killed him.
o12.0 THE PENALTY FOR FORNICATION
o12.6 If the penalty is stoning, they are to be stoned, no matter the weather, or if they are ill. A pregnant woman is not stoned until she gives birth and the child does not need to nurse.
[Muslim 017, 4206] ... There came to Mohammed a woman who said: Allah's Messenger, I have committed adultery, [...] When she was delivered she came with the child (wrapped) in a rag and said: Here is the child whom I have given birth to. He said: Go away and suckle him until you wean him. When she had weaned him, she came to him with the child who was hold-ing a piece of bread in his hand. She said: Allah's Apostle, here is he as I have weaned him and he eats food. He entrusted the child to one of the Muslims and then pronounced punishment. And she was put in a ditch up to her chest and he commanded people and they stoned her. ...
HONOR KILLING
Honor killing is not directly included in Sharia doctrine. Sharia dictates that a woman is inferior to the male and allows beatings to enforce the rule of the male, but it does not accord honor killing a legal status. However, there is no penalty for killing an adulterer:
o5.4 There is no expiation for killing someone who has left Islam, a highwayman or a convicted married adulterer...
e12.8 ... unworthy (those who may be killed) includes ... convicted mar-ried adulterers...
This seems to include equal penalties for both men and women, how-ever, a man has many legal ways to have sex, while the woman is strictly limited to her husband alone. Hence, the woman is much more likely to be killed.
The man rules the woman, and his status in the community depends upon how his women conduct themselves. Ghira is sacred jealousy, even Allah has ghira. Ghira is also self-respect and is the basis of honor killings. Notice that in this hadith Saed's threat to kill a man with his wife is not condemned, but supported. Violence in defense of a Muslim's ghira is pure Islam.
[Bukhari 8,82,829; Bukhari 9,93,512] Saed bin Ubada said, "If I saw a man with my wife, I would strike him with the blade of my sword." This news reached Mohammed, who then said, "You people are astonished at Saed's ghira (self-respect). By Al-lah, I have more ghira than he, and Allah has more ghira than I, and because of Allah's ghira, He has made unlawful shameful deeds and sins done in open and in secret. [...]
Most honor killings come from Islamic societies.
ISLAMIC SCHOLARS CLAIM:
Sharia laws concerning women is the rule of law in Islamic families.
Islam was the first civilization to provide and guarantee women's rights.
Mohammed gave the world the perfect example of how women are protected in Islam.
Muslim women are treasured and as treasures must be protected from the evils of the kafir world.
The rights of Muslim women come from Allah.
THE SHARIA: Sharia law has different laws for different groups of people. Women are one of its special classes.
wife beating
Islam's grand vision about women is given in one verse of the Koran:
Koran 4:34 Allah has made men superior to women because men spend their wealth to support them. Therefore, virtuous women are obedient, and they are to guard their unseen parts as Allah has guarded them. As for women whom you fear will rebel, admonish them first, and then send them to a separate bed, and then beat them. But if they are obedi-ent after that, then do nothing further; surely Allah is exalted and great!
THE SHARIA: dealing with a rebellious wife
m10.12 When a husband notices signs of rebelliousness in his wife whether in words as when she answers him coldly when she used to do so politely, or he asks her to come to bed and she refuses, con-trary to her usual habit; or whether in acts, as when he finds her averse to him when she was previously kind and cheerful, he warns her in words without keeping from her or hitting her, for it may be that she has an excuse.
The warning could be to tell her, "Fear Allah concerning the rights you owe to me,"
or it could be to explain that rebelliousness nullifies his obligation to support her and give her a turn amongst other wives, or it could be to inform her, "Your obeying me is religiously obligatory".
If she commits rebelliousness, he keeps from sleeping (having sex) with her and refuses to speak to her, and may hit her, but not in a way that injures her, meaning he may not bruise her, break bones, wound her, or cause blood to flow. It is unlawful to strike another's face. He may hit her whether she is rebellious only once or whether more than once, though a weaker opinion holds that he may not hit her unless there is repeated rebelliousness.
Ishaq969 He [Mohammed] also told them men had rights over their wives and women had rights over their husbands. The wives were never to commit adultery or act in a sexual manner toward others. If they did, they were to be put in separate rooms and beaten lightly. If they refrained from what was forbidden, they had the right to food and clothing. Men were to lay injunctions on women lightly for they were prisoners of men and had no control over their persons.
[Abu Dawud 11, 2142] Mohammed said: A man will not be asked as to why he beat his wife.
[Bukhari 7,62,132] The Prophet said, "None of you should flog his wife as he flogs a slave and then have sexual intercourse with her in the last part of the day." Most of those in Hell will be women.
THE DOCTRINE OF WOMEN
There are many ways in which the woman does not have full stature in Sharia law:
022.1 The necessary qualifications for being an Islamic judge are:
(a) to be a male freeman […]
04.9 The indemnity for the death or injury of a woman is one-half the indemnity paid for a man.
[Bukhari 3,48,826] Mohammed asked, "Is not the value of a woman's eye-witness testimony half that of a man's?" A woman said, "Yes." He said, "That is because a woman's mind is deficient."
L10.3 They divide the universal share so that the male receives the por-tion of two females.
Koran 4:11 It is in this manner that Allah commands you concerning your children: A male should receive a share equal to that of two fe-males, [...]
This hadith equates camels, slaves and women.
[Abu Dawud 11, 2155] Mohammed said: If one of you mar-ries a woman or buys a slave, he should say: "O Allah, I ask You for the good in her, and in the disposition You have given her; I take refuge in You from the evil in her, and in the disposition You have given her." When he buys a camel, he should take hold of the top of its hump and say the same kind of thing.
Women are inferior to men in intelligence and religion.
[Bukhari 1,6,301] While on his way to pray, Mohammed passed a group of women and he said, "Ladies, give to charities and donate money to the unfortunate, because I have witnessed that most of the people in Hell are women.
They asked, "Why is that?"
He answered, "You swear too much, and you show no grati-tude to your husbands. I have never come across anyone more lacking in intelligence, or ignorant of their religion than women. A careful and intelligent man could be misled by many of you."
They responded, "What exactly are we lacking in intelligence or faith?"
Mohammed said, "Is it not true that the testimony of one man is the equal to the testimony of two women?"
After they affirmed that this was true, Mohammed said, "That illustrates that women are lacking in intelligence. Is it not also true that women may not pray nor fast during their men-strual cycle?" They said that this was also true.
Mohammed then said, "That illustrates that women are lack-ing in their religion."
A woman's testimony is worth half that of a man.
Koran 2:282 Believers! When you contract a loan for a certain period, write it down, or to be fair, let a scribe write it down. The scribe should not re-fuse to write as Allah has taught him; therefore, let the scribe record what the debtor dictates being mindful of his duty to Allah and not re-ducing the amount he owes. If the debtor is ignorant and unable to dic-tate, let his guardian do so with fairness. Call two men in to witness this, but if two men cannot be found, then call one man and two women whom you see fit to be witnesses. Therefore, if either woman makes an error, the other can correct her [...]
FEMAL GENITAL MUTILATION, FEMALE CIRCUMCISION
It is unfortunate that the term circumcision is applied to both the re-moval of the foreskin of the male and the removal of the clitoris of the woman. There is no comparison.
[Bukhari 7,72,779] Mohammed said, "Five practices are characteristics of the ancient prophets: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, cutting the moustaches short, clipping the nails, and depilating the hair of the armpits."
This hadith refers to the circumcision of female genitalia. It assumes that both the man and the woman are circumcised.
[Muslim 003,0684] [...] Abu Musa then said, "When is a bath obligatory?" Aisha responded, "You have asked the right person. Mohammed has said that a bath is obligatory when a man is encompassed by a woman and their circumcised genitalia touch."
Circumcision is part of the Sharia law. Here is the deceptive transla-tion:
e4.3 Circumcision is obligatory for both men and women. For men it con-sists of removing the prepuce from the penis, and for women, remov-ing the prepuce of the clitoris (not the clitoris itself, as some mistak-enly assert).
However what the Arabic actually says is:
e4.3 Circumcision is obligatory (for every male and female) by cutting off the piece of skin on the glans of the penis of the male, but circumcision of the female is by cutting out the clitoris (this is called Hufaad)."
This deceptive translation obscures the Sharia law. This deception is called taqiyya, a form of sacred deception.
At the battle of Badr, we have a reference to the custom of removing the clitoris.
Ishaq 564 Hamza said, 'Come here, you son of a female circumciser.' Now his mother was Umm Anmar, a female circumciser (one who circumcised girls) in Mecca. Then Hamza smote him and killed him.
o12.0 THE PENALTY FOR FORNICATION
o12.6 If the penalty is stoning, they are to be stoned, no matter the weather, or if they are ill. A pregnant woman is not stoned until she gives birth and the child does not need to nurse.
[Muslim 017, 4206] ... There came to Mohammed a woman who said: Allah's Messenger, I have committed adultery, [...] When she was delivered she came with the child (wrapped) in a rag and said: Here is the child whom I have given birth to. He said: Go away and suckle him until you wean him. When she had weaned him, she came to him with the child who was hold-ing a piece of bread in his hand. She said: Allah's Apostle, here is he as I have weaned him and he eats food. He entrusted the child to one of the Muslims and then pronounced punishment. And she was put in a ditch up to her chest and he commanded people and they stoned her. ...
HONOR KILLING
Honor killing is not directly included in Sharia doctrine. Sharia dictates that a woman is inferior to the male and allows beatings to enforce the rule of the male, but it does not accord honor killing a legal status. However, there is no penalty for killing an adulterer:
o5.4 There is no expiation for killing someone who has left Islam, a highwayman or a convicted married adulterer...
e12.8 ... unworthy (those who may be killed) includes ... convicted mar-ried adulterers...
This seems to include equal penalties for both men and women, how-ever, a man has many legal ways to have sex, while the woman is strictly limited to her husband alone. Hence, the woman is much more likely to be killed.
The man rules the woman, and his status in the community depends upon how his women conduct themselves. Ghira is sacred jealousy, even Allah has ghira. Ghira is also self-respect and is the basis of honor killings. Notice that in this hadith Saed's threat to kill a man with his wife is not condemned, but supported. Violence in defense of a Muslim's ghira is pure Islam.
[Bukhari 8,82,829; Bukhari 9,93,512] Saed bin Ubada said, "If I saw a man with my wife, I would strike him with the blade of my sword." This news reached Mohammed, who then said, "You people are astonished at Saed's ghira (self-respect). By Al-lah, I have more ghira than he, and Allah has more ghira than I, and because of Allah's ghira, He has made unlawful shameful deeds and sins done in open and in secret. [...]
Most honor killings come from Islamic societies.
Malawi couple split under homophobic pressure
Victims of death threats, insults & abuse
Government & police threatened to re-arrest them
London - 9 June 2010
The Malawian couple, Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, have split up. They had been recently pardoned by the President of Malawi, after having been sentenced to 14 years jail on charges of homosexuality.
Steven Monjeza this week announced that he has left his partner, Tiwonge Chimbalanga.
"The couple had been subjected to many death threats and the government had threatened to re-arrest them if they got back together," said London-based human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell, spokesperson for the LGBT rights group OutRage! He supported the couple in prison and campaigned, along with many other people, for their release.
"I was in communication with Steven and Tiwonge for over four months, via prison visitors who I arranged to deliver them food, medicine, shoes and clothes. In messages passed to me by the prison visitors, the couple affirmed their love. I believe it was genuine affection and commitment." added Mr Tatchell.
"It is a tragedy that homophobic threats and abuse have forced this couple apart. They were deeply in love. The pressure has got to Steven. Very understandably, he wants a quiet, safe life. This would not be possible if he remained with Tiwonge. Both would be at risk of violent attack. Some people have threatened to kill them. I respect their decision to split. It is up to them.
"I feel sorry for these star-crossed lovers. Like Romeo and Juliet, their love has been destroyed by prejudice and hatred.
"Tiwonge and Steven never set out to be political. Their engagement ceremony was not staged. No one was coerced and no one pressured them to do it. They did it solely out of love for each other. It was their idea. They did it themselves, without outside help. Their arrest and prosecution was not expected, since their ceremony was not illegal under Malawian law.
"There was no payment to anyone involved. No one has gained financially from this case.
"Malawian and international human rights groups had no contact with the couple prior to their arrest. We did not encourage them. The only role of human rights organisations was to support them after they were arrested and jailed.
"Whatever their feelings for each other now, Steven and Tiwonge have done more for gay and transgender rights in Malawi than anyone else. I salute them. They are lions of Africa. They have helped continue the unfinished African liberation struggle by pursuing freedom for gay, bisexual and transgender Africans.
"Thanks to them, same-sex love is now visible in Malawi. There has been a huge public debate. This awareness and discussion is positive. It has helped break down homophobic ignorance and prejudice.
"Not all Malawian people are anti-gay. Many are just curious, some believe in live-and-let live and others support the couple's right to love.
"Steven and Tiwonge harmed no one. They defended the right to love. In the long run, all Malawian lesbian and gay people will benefit from the trail they have blazed.
"I supported Steven and Tiwonge for the same reasons that in the 1970s and 80s I supported Malawian democracy activists who were jailed by the dictator, Dr Hastings Banda. This couple harmed no one. They had a right to live their lives without being victimised.
"I am a long-standing friend of the Malawian people. Many years ago, I supported the democracy and human rights movement in Malawi. In 1978, aged 26, I came to Malawi to investigate human rights abuses and the plight of political prisoners, and to expose the conditions on British-owned plantations. Posing as a student tourist, I was able to discover the terrible conditions on the Ruo tea estates at Mulanje (child labour, long hours, poor wages, bad food etc).
"When I came back to the UK, I helped establish the Malawi Support Committee to campaign against the dictatorship of Dr Hastings Banda, support jailed political prisoners and press for improved wages and working conditions for Malawians employed on foreign-owned plantations. I was a friend of the late Dr Attati Mpakati, the leader of LESOMA (the Socialist League of Malawi), who was jailed in Chichiri prison and was later assassinated by Dr Banda in 1983," said Mr Tatchell.
Government & police threatened to re-arrest them
London - 9 June 2010
The Malawian couple, Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, have split up. They had been recently pardoned by the President of Malawi, after having been sentenced to 14 years jail on charges of homosexuality.
Steven Monjeza this week announced that he has left his partner, Tiwonge Chimbalanga.
"The couple had been subjected to many death threats and the government had threatened to re-arrest them if they got back together," said London-based human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell, spokesperson for the LGBT rights group OutRage! He supported the couple in prison and campaigned, along with many other people, for their release.
"I was in communication with Steven and Tiwonge for over four months, via prison visitors who I arranged to deliver them food, medicine, shoes and clothes. In messages passed to me by the prison visitors, the couple affirmed their love. I believe it was genuine affection and commitment." added Mr Tatchell.
"It is a tragedy that homophobic threats and abuse have forced this couple apart. They were deeply in love. The pressure has got to Steven. Very understandably, he wants a quiet, safe life. This would not be possible if he remained with Tiwonge. Both would be at risk of violent attack. Some people have threatened to kill them. I respect their decision to split. It is up to them.
"I feel sorry for these star-crossed lovers. Like Romeo and Juliet, their love has been destroyed by prejudice and hatred.
"Tiwonge and Steven never set out to be political. Their engagement ceremony was not staged. No one was coerced and no one pressured them to do it. They did it solely out of love for each other. It was their idea. They did it themselves, without outside help. Their arrest and prosecution was not expected, since their ceremony was not illegal under Malawian law.
"There was no payment to anyone involved. No one has gained financially from this case.
"Malawian and international human rights groups had no contact with the couple prior to their arrest. We did not encourage them. The only role of human rights organisations was to support them after they were arrested and jailed.
"Whatever their feelings for each other now, Steven and Tiwonge have done more for gay and transgender rights in Malawi than anyone else. I salute them. They are lions of Africa. They have helped continue the unfinished African liberation struggle by pursuing freedom for gay, bisexual and transgender Africans.
"Thanks to them, same-sex love is now visible in Malawi. There has been a huge public debate. This awareness and discussion is positive. It has helped break down homophobic ignorance and prejudice.
"Not all Malawian people are anti-gay. Many are just curious, some believe in live-and-let live and others support the couple's right to love.
"Steven and Tiwonge harmed no one. They defended the right to love. In the long run, all Malawian lesbian and gay people will benefit from the trail they have blazed.
"I supported Steven and Tiwonge for the same reasons that in the 1970s and 80s I supported Malawian democracy activists who were jailed by the dictator, Dr Hastings Banda. This couple harmed no one. They had a right to live their lives without being victimised.
"I am a long-standing friend of the Malawian people. Many years ago, I supported the democracy and human rights movement in Malawi. In 1978, aged 26, I came to Malawi to investigate human rights abuses and the plight of political prisoners, and to expose the conditions on British-owned plantations. Posing as a student tourist, I was able to discover the terrible conditions on the Ruo tea estates at Mulanje (child labour, long hours, poor wages, bad food etc).
"When I came back to the UK, I helped establish the Malawi Support Committee to campaign against the dictatorship of Dr Hastings Banda, support jailed political prisoners and press for improved wages and working conditions for Malawians employed on foreign-owned plantations. I was a friend of the late Dr Attati Mpakati, the leader of LESOMA (the Socialist League of Malawi), who was jailed in Chichiri prison and was later assassinated by Dr Banda in 1983," said Mr Tatchell.
40 years of Gay Liberation
Pride London and Queer Question Time present
'COME TOGETHER'
An afternoon of film and debate celebrating the 40th anniversary of the London Gay Liberation Front
Raising funds for Pride London
1pm, Saturday 26th June 2010
Electric Cinema, Notting Hill
191 PORTOBELLO ROAD , LONDON, W11 2ED
Hosted by STEWART WHO?
'Come Together' is an afternoon of celebration, challenge, cinema and chin-wagging looking back over the last 40 years since the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) was formed in London; looking at where we are today and looking ahead to where we could be.
The afternoon will start with some amazing archive footage including 'Come Together'; a 1971 Panorama documentary originally broadcast in 1971; excerpts from A Lesbian and Gay History and an exclusive screening of films Mair Davies made in the GLF communes. This will be followed by a panel debate with lots of audience participation.
The treatment of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga by Malawian authorities is one very current example of why it is so important for us as to keep activism on the agenda and do all we can to engage our community to fight at home and abroad, in whatever way we feel able to.
40 years since the demands were first state we are still waiting for all of them to be met. Why? Join our panel for a frank discussion about LGBT rights, what can we learn from our queer history and what can we as a community do to achieve what GLF demanded 40 years ago? Given we now have some of the rights we have fought for, what could we be doing as a community to support LGBT people around the world?
Let's come together, celebrate, inspire, question, challenge and be challenged.
In 1970 the GLF made 8 interim, immediate civil rights demands:
1) That all discrimination against gay people, male and female, by the law, by employers, and by society at large, should end.
2) That all people who feel attracted to a member of their own sex be taught that such feelings are perfectly normal.
3) That sex education in schools stop being exclusively heterosexual
4) That psychiatrists stop treating homosexuality as though it were a problem or sickness, thereby giving gay people senseless guilt complexes.
5) That gay people be as legally free to contact other gay people through newspaper ads, on the streets, and by any other means they may want, as are heterosexuals, and that police harassment should cease right now.
6) That employers should no longer be allowed to discriminate against anyone on account of their sexual preferences.
7) That the age of consent for gay males be reduced to the same as for straights.
8) That gay people be free to hold hands and kiss in public as are heterosexuals.
Hosted by STEWART WHO? and some special guests involved in GLF, human rights and LGBT activism including:
Roz Kaveney - Trans poet and activist
Shami Chakrabarti - Director of Liberty
Stuart Feather - Artist
Andrew Lumsden - Artist and journalist
plus additional special guest to be announced.
Let's come together, celebrate, inspire, question, challenge and be challenged.
1pm - 3.00pm on Saturday 26 June
Entry £7.5 (£4 NUS & unwaged)
For more details and tickets: http://www.pridelondon.org/pride365/pride365events
Tickets from http://www.ticketweb.co.uk
All door proceeds to go to Pride London.
Get involved on facebook and join the group QQT
For more details about the event and images please contact:
mike@mikekear.com 07753 930 678
tom.barber@pridelondon.org 07790 020541
'COME TOGETHER'
An afternoon of film and debate celebrating the 40th anniversary of the London Gay Liberation Front
Raising funds for Pride London
1pm, Saturday 26th June 2010
Electric Cinema, Notting Hill
191 PORTOBELLO ROAD , LONDON, W11 2ED
Hosted by STEWART WHO?
'Come Together' is an afternoon of celebration, challenge, cinema and chin-wagging looking back over the last 40 years since the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) was formed in London; looking at where we are today and looking ahead to where we could be.
The afternoon will start with some amazing archive footage including 'Come Together'; a 1971 Panorama documentary originally broadcast in 1971; excerpts from A Lesbian and Gay History and an exclusive screening of films Mair Davies made in the GLF communes. This will be followed by a panel debate with lots of audience participation.
The treatment of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga by Malawian authorities is one very current example of why it is so important for us as to keep activism on the agenda and do all we can to engage our community to fight at home and abroad, in whatever way we feel able to.
40 years since the demands were first state we are still waiting for all of them to be met. Why? Join our panel for a frank discussion about LGBT rights, what can we learn from our queer history and what can we as a community do to achieve what GLF demanded 40 years ago? Given we now have some of the rights we have fought for, what could we be doing as a community to support LGBT people around the world?
Let's come together, celebrate, inspire, question, challenge and be challenged.
In 1970 the GLF made 8 interim, immediate civil rights demands:
1) That all discrimination against gay people, male and female, by the law, by employers, and by society at large, should end.
2) That all people who feel attracted to a member of their own sex be taught that such feelings are perfectly normal.
3) That sex education in schools stop being exclusively heterosexual
4) That psychiatrists stop treating homosexuality as though it were a problem or sickness, thereby giving gay people senseless guilt complexes.
5) That gay people be as legally free to contact other gay people through newspaper ads, on the streets, and by any other means they may want, as are heterosexuals, and that police harassment should cease right now.
6) That employers should no longer be allowed to discriminate against anyone on account of their sexual preferences.
7) That the age of consent for gay males be reduced to the same as for straights.
8) That gay people be free to hold hands and kiss in public as are heterosexuals.
Hosted by STEWART WHO? and some special guests involved in GLF, human rights and LGBT activism including:
Roz Kaveney - Trans poet and activist
Shami Chakrabarti - Director of Liberty
Stuart Feather - Artist
Andrew Lumsden - Artist and journalist
plus additional special guest to be announced.
Let's come together, celebrate, inspire, question, challenge and be challenged.
1pm - 3.00pm on Saturday 26 June
Entry £7.5 (£4 NUS & unwaged)
For more details and tickets: http://www.pridelondon.org/pride365/pride365events
Tickets from http://www.ticketweb.co.uk
All door proceeds to go to Pride London.
Get involved on facebook and join the group QQT
For more details about the event and images please contact:
mike@mikekear.com 07753 930 678
tom.barber@pridelondon.org 07790 020541
Ban on same-sex marriage must be lifted
Marriage equality is litmus test of David Cameron's commitment to gay rights
Peter Tatchell
The Independent - London - 15 June 2010
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/peter--tatchell-ban-on-samesex-marriage-must-be-lifted-2000521.html
When David Cameron hosts gay community leaders at Downing Street tomorrow night the elephant in the room will be the ban on same-sex civil marriage. It is the last homophobic law in the UK. The coalition government, despite its professed support for gay equality, is refusing to repeal it.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg supports same-sex marriage but he sacrificed it as part of his deal with the Conservatives. So we are left with a Prime Minister and Deputy who talk gay rights but who are unwilling to abolish the one remaining law that discriminates against lesbian and gay people - even when the abolition of this law has strong public support.
A Populus poll commissioned by The Times newspaper last June found that 61% of the public believe same-sex couples should be able to get married in a registry office on exactly the same basis as heterosexual couples. The government is clearly lagging behind public opinion. It's time David Cameron and Nick Clegg caught up.
True, we have civil partnerships. They remedy many of the injustices previously experienced by gay couples. But they are not equality. They have created a two-tier system of relationship recognition and rights. The homophobia of the ban on same-sex civil marriage is now compounded by the heterophobia of the ban on opposite-sex civil partnerships. Just as queers cannot have a civil marriage, straight couples are prohibited from having a civil partnership. These twin discriminations reinforce and extend inequality.
Imagine the outcry if the government reserved marriage for white people and introduced a separate partnership register for black couples. It would provoke accusations of racism and apartheid - and international condemnation.
Civil partnerships are a form of sexual apartheid. They enforce separate laws for heterosexuals and homosexuals, perpetuating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Let's face it, marriage is the gold standard. Civil partnerships are marriage lite for queers. They are second best. No thanks.
Even though I am no fan of wedlock and would not want to get married myself, I defend the right of other same-sex couples to make that choice, if they wish. We should all be equal under the law.
If the government is sincere in its commitment to gay equality, it should forget about fancy Downing Street receptions and concentrate on delivering gay rights policies, including marriage equality.
Peter Tatchell
The Independent - London - 15 June 2010
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/peter--tatchell-ban-on-samesex-marriage-must-be-lifted-2000521.html
When David Cameron hosts gay community leaders at Downing Street tomorrow night the elephant in the room will be the ban on same-sex civil marriage. It is the last homophobic law in the UK. The coalition government, despite its professed support for gay equality, is refusing to repeal it.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg supports same-sex marriage but he sacrificed it as part of his deal with the Conservatives. So we are left with a Prime Minister and Deputy who talk gay rights but who are unwilling to abolish the one remaining law that discriminates against lesbian and gay people - even when the abolition of this law has strong public support.
A Populus poll commissioned by The Times newspaper last June found that 61% of the public believe same-sex couples should be able to get married in a registry office on exactly the same basis as heterosexual couples. The government is clearly lagging behind public opinion. It's time David Cameron and Nick Clegg caught up.
True, we have civil partnerships. They remedy many of the injustices previously experienced by gay couples. But they are not equality. They have created a two-tier system of relationship recognition and rights. The homophobia of the ban on same-sex civil marriage is now compounded by the heterophobia of the ban on opposite-sex civil partnerships. Just as queers cannot have a civil marriage, straight couples are prohibited from having a civil partnership. These twin discriminations reinforce and extend inequality.
Imagine the outcry if the government reserved marriage for white people and introduced a separate partnership register for black couples. It would provoke accusations of racism and apartheid - and international condemnation.
Civil partnerships are a form of sexual apartheid. They enforce separate laws for heterosexuals and homosexuals, perpetuating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Let's face it, marriage is the gold standard. Civil partnerships are marriage lite for queers. They are second best. No thanks.
Even though I am no fan of wedlock and would not want to get married myself, I defend the right of other same-sex couples to make that choice, if they wish. We should all be equal under the law.
If the government is sincere in its commitment to gay equality, it should forget about fancy Downing Street receptions and concentrate on delivering gay rights policies, including marriage equality.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Anti-Gay? Organization President Addresses Misperceptions about NARTH
Anti-Gay? Organization President Addresses Misperceptions about NARTH
Julie Hamilton, Ph.D.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The purpose of this article is to address misperceptions and/or misinformation regarding NARTH. Although some critics will remain skeptical and perhaps some even antagonistic, others desire accurate information. This article is written for the latter group, those who might be interested to know the facts about NARTH's mission and purpose.
NARTH is Not Anti-gay, nor is NARTH a Hate-Based Organization
Critics and antagonists have labeled NARTH, its leaders, and members as "bigots" and having "hatred" against homosexuality. Simply stated, these accusations are completely false. NARTH's leaders value and esteem both those who have embraced homosexual identities as well as those who seek change of orientation or identity. Many NARTH members originally became involved with NARTH because they had clients who needed help, and they had compassion and a desire to assist those clients in meeting their goals, even if doing so would bring criticism from others. Some became involved with NARTH because of their own personal experience with homosexuality, and others became involved out of love for their family members who struggled with issues of gender and sexual orientation.
Other members simply feel a scientific and ethical responsibility to present what science can and cannot say about homosexuality as well as to foster psychological care consistent with the best outcomes for those who seek it. Such care should be extended to all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. In the spirit of diversity and anchored to the ethical principles of client self-determination and client autonomy, NARTH members are committed to providing scientifically grounded psychological care rendered in the context of compassion. While NARTH may disagree with a more popular worldview, and assert that homosexuality is not invariably fixed in all people, disagreement is not discrimination. Such attempts to label NARTH's position as "bigoted" or "hateful" are straw man attacks and are unsound.
NARTH Recognizes Client Diversity
NARTH values the individual's right to choose - both individuals who are comfortable with their homosexual identities and those who want to explore other options. NARTH acknowledges that some people are comfortable claiming a homosexual identity, and we respect their freedom to do so. At the same time, NARTH recognizes that others choose not to embrace a homosexual identity, are distressed by unwanted homosexual attractions, and would like to explore other options for their lives.
In our culture, those who are dissatisfied with their unwanted homosexual attractions and choose to pursue change are often treated with disrespect, mockery and ridicule, as are the therapists who try to help them. It is ironic that some of the people who defend the freedom to embrace homosexuality are the same ones who mock those who want something different for their lives. Tolerance and diversity mean very little if differing worldviews are excluded. NARTH believes that people who are dissatisfied with their unwanted homosexual attractions should be given the opportunity to choose their own path and to pursue change if they so desire. If content homosexuals are accepted, discontent homosexuals who pursue change should be equally accepted.
NARTH Therapists Honor Client Self Determination: Clients Choose Their Own Goals while Therapists Avoid Imposing an Agenda
NARTH defends the rights of clients to seek treatment for unwanted homosexual attractions. Individuals who are dissatisfied with their unwanted homosexual attractions and enter therapy seeking change should be respected and not be coerced into embracing identities which clash with their deeply held values or religious beliefs. All ethical codes for psychologists and therapists state that clients have the right to self-determination. This means that it is the client, not the therapist, who chooses the goals of therapy. NARTH exists to defend that basic right of clients. It is unethical for therapists to only offer "gay affirmative" therapy to clients who are seeking not to be affirmed in a homosexual identity but to receive assistance in pursuing a different identity. Although some professional associations advocate for therapists to use only a gay-affirming approach, NARTH believes that this is disrespectful, unethical, and potentially harmful to clients who want other options for their lives.
All too often, well-meaning, but ill-informed therapists tell their clients that they were "born homosexual" and cannot change, yet the scientific research reveals the opposite (Jones & Yarhouse, 2007; Spitzer, 2003). Homosexuality is not simply a matter of biology, and some people indeed make changes in their lives. Even the APA, in a brochure on human sexuality, acknowledges the lack of research supporting biological determinism of homosexuality.
There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles....(p. 2)
Those who provide psychological care for this population have an ethical and moral responsibility to be scientifically informed and to provide care that is consistent with both psychological science and the highest ethical standards of our professions.
Just as we believe that clients have the right to pursue change and that the scientific research supports the evidence for change, NARTH believes that people have the freedom to pursue a homosexual identity or adapt in any way they desire for their lives. Ultimately, the client decides the path to take, and the therapist assists the client in accomplishing his or her goals. When therapists are unable to help clients pursue their personal goals, those therapists should make appropriate referrals to another professional who is able to do so.
Reorientation Therapy Includes Many Different Mainstream Approaches to Therapy
Reorientation therapy is simply psychological care aimed at helping clients achieve their goals regarding their sexual attractions, sexual orientations and/or sexual identities. Reorientation is not decidedly different from other therapies. There are many psychological approaches to helping clients with unwanted homosexual attractions. All approaches supported by NARTH are mainstream approaches to psychotherapy. The term "Reparative Therapy" refers to one specific approach which is psychodynamic in nature, but not all who offer therapy aimed at orientation change practice Reparative Therapy. Critics sometimes use the phrase 'reparative therapy' to describe reorientation therapy. This may be misconstrued to support a view pathologizing homosexuality, and that this is the only therapeutic modality used in reorientation therapy. Both inferences are incorrect. The members of NARTH are diverse in their training and in their approaches. Like other therapists, most clinical members of NARTH practice whatever type of therapy they were trained to practice, including but not limited to: interpersonal therapy, cognitive therapy, family therapy, behavioral therapy, EMDR, and psychodynamic approaches of which Reparative Therapy is one type. Quite simply, this is psychotherapy, nothing more and nothing less.
NARTH is often described by journalists with terms that are not used by NARTH or its members. For example, NARTH is sometimes "branded" as offering a "cure" for homosexuality, implying that NARTH views homosexuality as a disease. NARTH does not view homosexuality as mental illness; rather, homosexuality is an adaptation that is distressful for some people. Another inaccurate description is "conversion" therapy, a term not used by NARTH members. This term seems to imply some type of force or the idea of a therapist pressuring a client to change. NARTH therapists understand that psychotherapy should never be coercive, but should be offered in accordance with professional ethics and a respect for client self-determination. Neither do NARTH members offer or provide "aversion therapy." This form of behavioral therapy was used in the 1960's and 1970's to treat many different types of presenting problems, one of which was unwanted homosexual thoughts and feelings. However, aversion therapy was deemed unethical and was discontinued over 25 years ago, prior to NARTH's existence. NARTH encourages all of its members to abide by the highest standards of ethicality, which by definition would exclude any form of aversive therapy.
NARTH encourages its members to assist those who seek help for unwanted homosexual attractions, attractions which seldom occur in isolation from other issues commonly treated in therapy. More often than not, other issues become a part-and even the primary focus-of the care provided. Such issues might include past sexual abuse or trauma, family relationships, a weak sense of self, gender insecurity, depression, hopelessness, self-hatred, or any other issue that is problematic for the client. Many NARTH therapists report that once these other issues are addressed, issues regarding sexual attractions, identity, and orientation are easier to resolve.
While Success Rates are Similar to Some other Issues, Therapy for Unwanted Homosexuality Seems to be held to a Higher Standard
While studies on therapy for unwanted homosexual attractions seem to yield varying success rates, ranging from 30%-70%, these rates seem to be no different than success rates for many other therapeutic issues.1 For example, one study on outcomes in ministry settings (Jones and Yarhouse, 2007) revealed success rates that were comparable to a similar study on the treatment for depression. There is no question that depression should be treated, even though neither therapy, nor medication, nor a combination of both, yield success rates of 100%. Another example is that of personality disorders. It is commonly accepted within the therapeutic profession that personality disorders do not fully resolve, regardless of the therapeutic modality offered. While some forms of therapy appear more effective than others in treating personality disorders, it is clear that clients who are diagnosed with such disorders will continue beyond therapy to struggle with some issues related to their diagnosis. Yet, despite the fact that the condition is not completely alleviated through therapy, we do not hear of attempts to stop therapists from offering treatment for personality disorders.2
Similarly, in the field of addictions, where there is debate over both etiology and treatment, we find varying success rates, but we do not see any model of treatment to be successful 100% of the time. In fact, there is a high recidivism rate in the addictions field, yet the work continues undisputed. In addition, those who successfully receive treatment for substance abuse, eating disorders, and other behavioral addictions continue to describe themselves as addicts long after their therapy ends, and some will claim that label for the rest of their lives, even after the initial presenting problem is resolved. In many ways, reorientation therapy is quite similar to therapy for other issues. Yet, it seems clear that therapy for unwanted homosexuality is held to a standard higher than therapy for any other issue, a standard unattainable in the mental health field.
Therapeutic Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation are not found to be Harmful
Although the media and even some professionals have reported otherwise, the APA Task Force recently reported that the research on whether or not change attempts are harmful is inconclusive.3 Although the six-member Task Force was made up only of people who are against orientation change efforts, they admitted that there is not enough evidence to say that it is harmful. They state, "There are no scientifically rigorous studies of recent SOCE that would enable us to make a definitive statement about whether recent SOCE is safe or harmful and for whom" (p. 83). Yet, they say, despite the fact that there is no conclusive evidence of harm, that therapists should only offer affirmative therapy because some clients report having been harmed. It might be important to note, since they are basing their recommendation on client reports, that many clients have also reported being helped. This, however, is not mentioned in the report. In fact, they did not include individual case studies in their review.
Although the APA Task Force reported that their review of the possibility for harm was inconclusive, there are in fact research studies which conclude that this type of therapy is not harmful. For example, the Spitzer (2003) study found no harm, the Jones and Yarhouse (2007) study on ministry groups found no harm, and the Karten (2010) study found no harm.
With regard to individual reports of harm, it is important to understand the field of therapy. Participating in any form of therapy may be stressful as clients begin to address and deal with the issues of concern to them. In other words, whether clients are seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, marital issues, family issues, addictions, etc., there is a chance that some clients will feel worse before they feel better. Therapy often assists clients in looking at issues more closely and directly facing the problems in their lives in order to move forward. It is a commonly accepted fact that entering therapy and addressing concerns, whatever those concerns may be, might at first be uncomfortable. Therapy for unwanted homosexual attractions is no different. Some clients report encountering stress as they pursue their goals, yet many clients also report that the stress was well worth the outcome, just as clients addressing any other issue report that the hard work of therapy is well worth the results. Psychological care for those distressed by unwanted homosexuality (when practiced by an ethical therapist) has not been shown to pose any greater risk for harm than therapy for any other issue.
On the note of harm, it interesting that it is considered acceptable within the mental health field to assist a five year old boy in identifying as a girl or to administer hormone treatment to a ten or twelve year old child to physically change the child's biological sex,4 but offering talk therapy to an adult who would rather not be homosexual is thought to be harmful. Researchers admit that homosexuality is not biologically based; whereas, we know that gender is biologically based. How is it ethical to help a child change his or her biologically-based gender, but yet questionable to help an adult deal with an unwanted sexual orientation? Perhaps the accusations of harm have more to do with worldview than with science.
NARTH is Neither Right-Winged, nor is NARTH a Religious Organization
Although the critics often describe NARTH as a right-wing, religious organization, NARTH is neither right-wing, nor religious. Rather, NARTH is a scientific, secular organization. The membership of NARTH is very diverse, as is the governing board, including people of many different faith traditions and people of no faith tradition. While NARTH members vary in their religious viewpoints, the commonality among its members is their commitment to defend the scientific research, despite the trend in our culture of promoting the message that people are born homosexual and cannot change. Some activists for gay causes believe that if the message that people can change is made known, it might lead to further discrimination. We believe that there are better ways of addressing discrimination than suppressing the message that change is possible. Suppressing this message only harms individuals who want other options for their lives. NARTH respects these individuals and upholds their rights to have accurate information.
Footnotes
1 It is important to address the notion of change and success rates. Like other challenges, success is defined along a continuum ranging from a change in behavior to the reduction or even the elimination of unwanted homosexual attractions as well as changes in sexual orientation and sexual identity. Change might also include improved sense of self or an increase in security, a decrease in depression or hopelessness, as well as improvements in many other areas. What is clear is that outcomes are very consistent with the good research, from which only one conclusion can be reached: homosexuality is not invariably fixed in all people. Some people can and do change. And this change occurs not just in terms of identity but in core features of sexual orientation such as fantasy and arousal. The Spitzer Study, Hershberger's analysis of the Spitzer study, and the Karten study provide scientific support that change indeed does occur for some people.
2Although the examples given here are of depression and personality disorders, conditions generally believed to be undesirable, it is understood that homosexuality is a condition that is considered undesirable by some clients, but not by all clients. The comparison is not intended to imply similarities between homosexuality and depression or personality disorders other than with regard to some outcome implications.
3Activists within some professional associations have attempted to persuade their associations to declare reorientation unethical, falsely claiming that this type of therapy is harmful. These claims of harm are not in any way grounded in research, but instead appear politically motivated and reflect a lack of familiarity with the research, which has been declared by the APA to be inconclusive.
4See http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2008/03/30/qa_with_norman_spack/
References
American Psychological Association. (2008). Answers to your questions: For a better understanding of sexual orientation and homosexuality. Washington, DC: Author. [Retrieved from www.apa.org/topics/sorientation.pdf.]
Hershberger, S. L. (2003). Guttman scalability confirms the effectiveness ofreparative therapy. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 32, 440-441.
Jones, S.L., & Yarhouse, M.A. (2007). Ex-gays: A longitudinal study of religious mediated change in sexual orientation. Dowers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
Karten, E. Y., & Wade, J. C. (2010). Sexual orientation change efforts in men: A client perspective. The Journal of Men's Studies, 18, 84-102.
Spitzer, R. L. (2003). "Can some gay men and lesbians change their sexual orientation? 200 participants reporting a change from homosexual to heterosexual orientation," Archives of Sexual Behavior, 32, 5, October, p. 403-417.
Julie Hamilton, Ph.D.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The purpose of this article is to address misperceptions and/or misinformation regarding NARTH. Although some critics will remain skeptical and perhaps some even antagonistic, others desire accurate information. This article is written for the latter group, those who might be interested to know the facts about NARTH's mission and purpose.
NARTH is Not Anti-gay, nor is NARTH a Hate-Based Organization
Critics and antagonists have labeled NARTH, its leaders, and members as "bigots" and having "hatred" against homosexuality. Simply stated, these accusations are completely false. NARTH's leaders value and esteem both those who have embraced homosexual identities as well as those who seek change of orientation or identity. Many NARTH members originally became involved with NARTH because they had clients who needed help, and they had compassion and a desire to assist those clients in meeting their goals, even if doing so would bring criticism from others. Some became involved with NARTH because of their own personal experience with homosexuality, and others became involved out of love for their family members who struggled with issues of gender and sexual orientation.
Other members simply feel a scientific and ethical responsibility to present what science can and cannot say about homosexuality as well as to foster psychological care consistent with the best outcomes for those who seek it. Such care should be extended to all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. In the spirit of diversity and anchored to the ethical principles of client self-determination and client autonomy, NARTH members are committed to providing scientifically grounded psychological care rendered in the context of compassion. While NARTH may disagree with a more popular worldview, and assert that homosexuality is not invariably fixed in all people, disagreement is not discrimination. Such attempts to label NARTH's position as "bigoted" or "hateful" are straw man attacks and are unsound.
NARTH Recognizes Client Diversity
NARTH values the individual's right to choose - both individuals who are comfortable with their homosexual identities and those who want to explore other options. NARTH acknowledges that some people are comfortable claiming a homosexual identity, and we respect their freedom to do so. At the same time, NARTH recognizes that others choose not to embrace a homosexual identity, are distressed by unwanted homosexual attractions, and would like to explore other options for their lives.
In our culture, those who are dissatisfied with their unwanted homosexual attractions and choose to pursue change are often treated with disrespect, mockery and ridicule, as are the therapists who try to help them. It is ironic that some of the people who defend the freedom to embrace homosexuality are the same ones who mock those who want something different for their lives. Tolerance and diversity mean very little if differing worldviews are excluded. NARTH believes that people who are dissatisfied with their unwanted homosexual attractions should be given the opportunity to choose their own path and to pursue change if they so desire. If content homosexuals are accepted, discontent homosexuals who pursue change should be equally accepted.
NARTH Therapists Honor Client Self Determination: Clients Choose Their Own Goals while Therapists Avoid Imposing an Agenda
NARTH defends the rights of clients to seek treatment for unwanted homosexual attractions. Individuals who are dissatisfied with their unwanted homosexual attractions and enter therapy seeking change should be respected and not be coerced into embracing identities which clash with their deeply held values or religious beliefs. All ethical codes for psychologists and therapists state that clients have the right to self-determination. This means that it is the client, not the therapist, who chooses the goals of therapy. NARTH exists to defend that basic right of clients. It is unethical for therapists to only offer "gay affirmative" therapy to clients who are seeking not to be affirmed in a homosexual identity but to receive assistance in pursuing a different identity. Although some professional associations advocate for therapists to use only a gay-affirming approach, NARTH believes that this is disrespectful, unethical, and potentially harmful to clients who want other options for their lives.
All too often, well-meaning, but ill-informed therapists tell their clients that they were "born homosexual" and cannot change, yet the scientific research reveals the opposite (Jones & Yarhouse, 2007; Spitzer, 2003). Homosexuality is not simply a matter of biology, and some people indeed make changes in their lives. Even the APA, in a brochure on human sexuality, acknowledges the lack of research supporting biological determinism of homosexuality.
There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles....(p. 2)
Those who provide psychological care for this population have an ethical and moral responsibility to be scientifically informed and to provide care that is consistent with both psychological science and the highest ethical standards of our professions.
Just as we believe that clients have the right to pursue change and that the scientific research supports the evidence for change, NARTH believes that people have the freedom to pursue a homosexual identity or adapt in any way they desire for their lives. Ultimately, the client decides the path to take, and the therapist assists the client in accomplishing his or her goals. When therapists are unable to help clients pursue their personal goals, those therapists should make appropriate referrals to another professional who is able to do so.
Reorientation Therapy Includes Many Different Mainstream Approaches to Therapy
Reorientation therapy is simply psychological care aimed at helping clients achieve their goals regarding their sexual attractions, sexual orientations and/or sexual identities. Reorientation is not decidedly different from other therapies. There are many psychological approaches to helping clients with unwanted homosexual attractions. All approaches supported by NARTH are mainstream approaches to psychotherapy. The term "Reparative Therapy" refers to one specific approach which is psychodynamic in nature, but not all who offer therapy aimed at orientation change practice Reparative Therapy. Critics sometimes use the phrase 'reparative therapy' to describe reorientation therapy. This may be misconstrued to support a view pathologizing homosexuality, and that this is the only therapeutic modality used in reorientation therapy. Both inferences are incorrect. The members of NARTH are diverse in their training and in their approaches. Like other therapists, most clinical members of NARTH practice whatever type of therapy they were trained to practice, including but not limited to: interpersonal therapy, cognitive therapy, family therapy, behavioral therapy, EMDR, and psychodynamic approaches of which Reparative Therapy is one type. Quite simply, this is psychotherapy, nothing more and nothing less.
NARTH is often described by journalists with terms that are not used by NARTH or its members. For example, NARTH is sometimes "branded" as offering a "cure" for homosexuality, implying that NARTH views homosexuality as a disease. NARTH does not view homosexuality as mental illness; rather, homosexuality is an adaptation that is distressful for some people. Another inaccurate description is "conversion" therapy, a term not used by NARTH members. This term seems to imply some type of force or the idea of a therapist pressuring a client to change. NARTH therapists understand that psychotherapy should never be coercive, but should be offered in accordance with professional ethics and a respect for client self-determination. Neither do NARTH members offer or provide "aversion therapy." This form of behavioral therapy was used in the 1960's and 1970's to treat many different types of presenting problems, one of which was unwanted homosexual thoughts and feelings. However, aversion therapy was deemed unethical and was discontinued over 25 years ago, prior to NARTH's existence. NARTH encourages all of its members to abide by the highest standards of ethicality, which by definition would exclude any form of aversive therapy.
NARTH encourages its members to assist those who seek help for unwanted homosexual attractions, attractions which seldom occur in isolation from other issues commonly treated in therapy. More often than not, other issues become a part-and even the primary focus-of the care provided. Such issues might include past sexual abuse or trauma, family relationships, a weak sense of self, gender insecurity, depression, hopelessness, self-hatred, or any other issue that is problematic for the client. Many NARTH therapists report that once these other issues are addressed, issues regarding sexual attractions, identity, and orientation are easier to resolve.
While Success Rates are Similar to Some other Issues, Therapy for Unwanted Homosexuality Seems to be held to a Higher Standard
While studies on therapy for unwanted homosexual attractions seem to yield varying success rates, ranging from 30%-70%, these rates seem to be no different than success rates for many other therapeutic issues.1 For example, one study on outcomes in ministry settings (Jones and Yarhouse, 2007) revealed success rates that were comparable to a similar study on the treatment for depression. There is no question that depression should be treated, even though neither therapy, nor medication, nor a combination of both, yield success rates of 100%. Another example is that of personality disorders. It is commonly accepted within the therapeutic profession that personality disorders do not fully resolve, regardless of the therapeutic modality offered. While some forms of therapy appear more effective than others in treating personality disorders, it is clear that clients who are diagnosed with such disorders will continue beyond therapy to struggle with some issues related to their diagnosis. Yet, despite the fact that the condition is not completely alleviated through therapy, we do not hear of attempts to stop therapists from offering treatment for personality disorders.2
Similarly, in the field of addictions, where there is debate over both etiology and treatment, we find varying success rates, but we do not see any model of treatment to be successful 100% of the time. In fact, there is a high recidivism rate in the addictions field, yet the work continues undisputed. In addition, those who successfully receive treatment for substance abuse, eating disorders, and other behavioral addictions continue to describe themselves as addicts long after their therapy ends, and some will claim that label for the rest of their lives, even after the initial presenting problem is resolved. In many ways, reorientation therapy is quite similar to therapy for other issues. Yet, it seems clear that therapy for unwanted homosexuality is held to a standard higher than therapy for any other issue, a standard unattainable in the mental health field.
Therapeutic Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation are not found to be Harmful
Although the media and even some professionals have reported otherwise, the APA Task Force recently reported that the research on whether or not change attempts are harmful is inconclusive.3 Although the six-member Task Force was made up only of people who are against orientation change efforts, they admitted that there is not enough evidence to say that it is harmful. They state, "There are no scientifically rigorous studies of recent SOCE that would enable us to make a definitive statement about whether recent SOCE is safe or harmful and for whom" (p. 83). Yet, they say, despite the fact that there is no conclusive evidence of harm, that therapists should only offer affirmative therapy because some clients report having been harmed. It might be important to note, since they are basing their recommendation on client reports, that many clients have also reported being helped. This, however, is not mentioned in the report. In fact, they did not include individual case studies in their review.
Although the APA Task Force reported that their review of the possibility for harm was inconclusive, there are in fact research studies which conclude that this type of therapy is not harmful. For example, the Spitzer (2003) study found no harm, the Jones and Yarhouse (2007) study on ministry groups found no harm, and the Karten (2010) study found no harm.
With regard to individual reports of harm, it is important to understand the field of therapy. Participating in any form of therapy may be stressful as clients begin to address and deal with the issues of concern to them. In other words, whether clients are seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, marital issues, family issues, addictions, etc., there is a chance that some clients will feel worse before they feel better. Therapy often assists clients in looking at issues more closely and directly facing the problems in their lives in order to move forward. It is a commonly accepted fact that entering therapy and addressing concerns, whatever those concerns may be, might at first be uncomfortable. Therapy for unwanted homosexual attractions is no different. Some clients report encountering stress as they pursue their goals, yet many clients also report that the stress was well worth the outcome, just as clients addressing any other issue report that the hard work of therapy is well worth the results. Psychological care for those distressed by unwanted homosexuality (when practiced by an ethical therapist) has not been shown to pose any greater risk for harm than therapy for any other issue.
On the note of harm, it interesting that it is considered acceptable within the mental health field to assist a five year old boy in identifying as a girl or to administer hormone treatment to a ten or twelve year old child to physically change the child's biological sex,4 but offering talk therapy to an adult who would rather not be homosexual is thought to be harmful. Researchers admit that homosexuality is not biologically based; whereas, we know that gender is biologically based. How is it ethical to help a child change his or her biologically-based gender, but yet questionable to help an adult deal with an unwanted sexual orientation? Perhaps the accusations of harm have more to do with worldview than with science.
NARTH is Neither Right-Winged, nor is NARTH a Religious Organization
Although the critics often describe NARTH as a right-wing, religious organization, NARTH is neither right-wing, nor religious. Rather, NARTH is a scientific, secular organization. The membership of NARTH is very diverse, as is the governing board, including people of many different faith traditions and people of no faith tradition. While NARTH members vary in their religious viewpoints, the commonality among its members is their commitment to defend the scientific research, despite the trend in our culture of promoting the message that people are born homosexual and cannot change. Some activists for gay causes believe that if the message that people can change is made known, it might lead to further discrimination. We believe that there are better ways of addressing discrimination than suppressing the message that change is possible. Suppressing this message only harms individuals who want other options for their lives. NARTH respects these individuals and upholds their rights to have accurate information.
Footnotes
1 It is important to address the notion of change and success rates. Like other challenges, success is defined along a continuum ranging from a change in behavior to the reduction or even the elimination of unwanted homosexual attractions as well as changes in sexual orientation and sexual identity. Change might also include improved sense of self or an increase in security, a decrease in depression or hopelessness, as well as improvements in many other areas. What is clear is that outcomes are very consistent with the good research, from which only one conclusion can be reached: homosexuality is not invariably fixed in all people. Some people can and do change. And this change occurs not just in terms of identity but in core features of sexual orientation such as fantasy and arousal. The Spitzer Study, Hershberger's analysis of the Spitzer study, and the Karten study provide scientific support that change indeed does occur for some people.
2Although the examples given here are of depression and personality disorders, conditions generally believed to be undesirable, it is understood that homosexuality is a condition that is considered undesirable by some clients, but not by all clients. The comparison is not intended to imply similarities between homosexuality and depression or personality disorders other than with regard to some outcome implications.
3Activists within some professional associations have attempted to persuade their associations to declare reorientation unethical, falsely claiming that this type of therapy is harmful. These claims of harm are not in any way grounded in research, but instead appear politically motivated and reflect a lack of familiarity with the research, which has been declared by the APA to be inconclusive.
4See http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2008/03/30/qa_with_norman_spack/
References
American Psychological Association. (2008). Answers to your questions: For a better understanding of sexual orientation and homosexuality. Washington, DC: Author. [Retrieved from www.apa.org/topics/sorientation.pdf.]
Hershberger, S. L. (2003). Guttman scalability confirms the effectiveness ofreparative therapy. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 32, 440-441.
Jones, S.L., & Yarhouse, M.A. (2007). Ex-gays: A longitudinal study of religious mediated change in sexual orientation. Dowers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
Karten, E. Y., & Wade, J. C. (2010). Sexual orientation change efforts in men: A client perspective. The Journal of Men's Studies, 18, 84-102.
Spitzer, R. L. (2003). "Can some gay men and lesbians change their sexual orientation? 200 participants reporting a change from homosexual to heterosexual orientation," Archives of Sexual Behavior, 32, 5, October, p. 403-417.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Embarrassment: No chloramphenicol eye ointment in Malawi
Malawi has no chloramphenicol in both all iots public hospitals and Central Medical Stores, suppliers of drugs to public institutions.
The development has forced poor people who visit the referral Kamuzu Central Hospital in the Central region, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Southern region, and Northern region major hospitals to go back home with their eye ailments.
This is a public health risk.
Health Minister, Professor Moses Chirambo, confirmed the news today, saying, however, government would do all it can to procure the drugs.
Meanwhile, private pharmacies are charging K600 per packet of 10 mg/gm, six times as much as the recommended price.
The development has forced poor people who visit the referral Kamuzu Central Hospital in the Central region, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Southern region, and Northern region major hospitals to go back home with their eye ailments.
This is a public health risk.
Health Minister, Professor Moses Chirambo, confirmed the news today, saying, however, government would do all it can to procure the drugs.
Meanwhile, private pharmacies are charging K600 per packet of 10 mg/gm, six times as much as the recommended price.
Please watch this video from Newsy; it's good
http://www.newsy.com/videos/new-jersey-school-under-fire-for-queer-theory-course/
Embarasment to the Malawi government: No chloramphenicol eye ointment in Malawi
Malawi has no chloramphenicol in both all iots public hospitals and Central Medical Stores, suppliers of drugs to public institutions.
The development has forced poor people who visit the referral Kamuzu Central Hospital in the Central region, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Southern region, and Northern region major hospitals to go back home with their eye ailments.
This is a public health risk.
Health Minister, Professor Moses Chirambo, confirmed the news today, saying, however, government would do all it can to procure the drugs.
Meanwhile, private pharmacies are charging K600 per packet of 10 mg/gm, six times as much as the recommended price.
The problem has been there for the past ten months.
The development has forced poor people who visit the referral Kamuzu Central Hospital in the Central region, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Southern region, and Northern region major hospitals to go back home with their eye ailments.
This is a public health risk.
Health Minister, Professor Moses Chirambo, confirmed the news today, saying, however, government would do all it can to procure the drugs.
Meanwhile, private pharmacies are charging K600 per packet of 10 mg/gm, six times as much as the recommended price.
The problem has been there for the past ten months.
Aunt Tiwo takes to TV, but says World Cup will not ease problems
Malawi’s open gay, Tiwonge Chimbalanga, a.k.a Aunt Tiwo has rtevealed that he has spend the past 10 days watching television, as he refocuses his life after being pardoned by President Bingu wa Mutharika.
But Chimbalanga was quick to add that, while he plans to watch the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa, scheduled for today, he will find no solace in it since “I love netball sop much”.
“The World Cup will do nothing to raise my spirits. I love netball for life. I don’t think anything will change on my part because of the events taking place in South Africa,” said Chimbalanga.
He said he looked forward to getting back into the public arena again, and urged Malawians to be fair with him.
“I urge Malawians to get a life; let us mind our own business, instead of focusing all our attention on me and Steven Monjeza. There is more to life that ‘Aunt Tiwo’. Please,” pleaded Chimbalanga.
Chimbalanga revealed that he now spends most of his time watching television.
“The past five months have been the most difficult in my life; I am trying to relax,” he said.
But Chimbalanga was quick to add that, while he plans to watch the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa, scheduled for today, he will find no solace in it since “I love netball sop much”.
“The World Cup will do nothing to raise my spirits. I love netball for life. I don’t think anything will change on my part because of the events taking place in South Africa,” said Chimbalanga.
He said he looked forward to getting back into the public arena again, and urged Malawians to be fair with him.
“I urge Malawians to get a life; let us mind our own business, instead of focusing all our attention on me and Steven Monjeza. There is more to life that ‘Aunt Tiwo’. Please,” pleaded Chimbalanga.
Chimbalanga revealed that he now spends most of his time watching television.
“The past five months have been the most difficult in my life; I am trying to relax,” he said.
Today's Zachimalawi menu
Embarrassment: No chloramphenicol eye ointment in Malawi
Malawi has no chloramphenicol in both all iots public hospitals and Central Medical Stores, suppliers of drugs to public institutions.
The development has forced poor people who visit the referral Kamuzu Central Hospital in the Central region, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Southern region, and Northern region major hospitals to go back home with their eye ailments.
This is a public health risk.
Health Minister, Professor Moses Chirambo, confirmed the news today, saying, however, government would do all it can to procure the drugs.
Meanwhile, private pharmacies are charging K600 per packet of 10 mg/gm, six times as much as the recommended price.
Aunt Tiwo takes to TV, but says World Cup will not ease problems
Malawi’s open gay, Tiwonge Chimbalanga, a.k.a Aunt Tiwo has rtevealed that he has spend the past 10 days watching television, as he refocuses his life after being pardoned by President Bingu wa Mutharika.
But Chimbalanga was quick to add that, while he plans to watch the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa, scheduled for today, he will find no solace in it since “I love netball sop much”.
“The World Cup will do nothing to raise my spirits. I love netball for life. I don’t think anything will change on my part because of the events taking place in South Africa,” said Chimbalanga.
He said he looked forward to getting back into the public arena again, and urged Malawians to be fair with him.
“I urge Malawians to get a life; let us mind our own business, instead of focusing all our attention on me and Steven Monjeza. There is more to life that ‘Aunt Tiwo’. Please,” pleaded Chimbalanga.
Chimbalanga revealed that he now spends most of his time watching television.
“The past five months have been the most difficult in my life; I am trying to relax,” he said.
Malawi has no chloramphenicol in both all iots public hospitals and Central Medical Stores, suppliers of drugs to public institutions.
The development has forced poor people who visit the referral Kamuzu Central Hospital in the Central region, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Southern region, and Northern region major hospitals to go back home with their eye ailments.
This is a public health risk.
Health Minister, Professor Moses Chirambo, confirmed the news today, saying, however, government would do all it can to procure the drugs.
Meanwhile, private pharmacies are charging K600 per packet of 10 mg/gm, six times as much as the recommended price.
Aunt Tiwo takes to TV, but says World Cup will not ease problems
Malawi’s open gay, Tiwonge Chimbalanga, a.k.a Aunt Tiwo has rtevealed that he has spend the past 10 days watching television, as he refocuses his life after being pardoned by President Bingu wa Mutharika.
But Chimbalanga was quick to add that, while he plans to watch the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa, scheduled for today, he will find no solace in it since “I love netball sop much”.
“The World Cup will do nothing to raise my spirits. I love netball for life. I don’t think anything will change on my part because of the events taking place in South Africa,” said Chimbalanga.
He said he looked forward to getting back into the public arena again, and urged Malawians to be fair with him.
“I urge Malawians to get a life; let us mind our own business, instead of focusing all our attention on me and Steven Monjeza. There is more to life that ‘Aunt Tiwo’. Please,” pleaded Chimbalanga.
Chimbalanga revealed that he now spends most of his time watching television.
“The past five months have been the most difficult in my life; I am trying to relax,” he said.
Aunt Tiwo finds passtime in watching Television, but says World Cup will not ease problems
Malawi’s open gay, Tiwonge Chimbalanga, a.k.a Aunt Tiwo has rtevealed that he has spend the past 10 days watching television, as he refocuses his life after being pardoned by President Bingu wa Mutharika.
But Chimbalanga was quick to add that, while he plans to watch the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa, scheduled for today, he will find no solace in it since “I love netball sop much”.
“The World Cup will do nothing to raise my spirits. I love netball for life. I don’t think anything will change on my part because of the events taking place in South Africa,” said Chimbalanga.
He said he looked forward to getting back into the public arena again, and urged Malawians to be fair with him.
“I urge Malawians to get a life; let us mind our own business, instead of focusing all our attention on me and Steven Monjeza. There is more to life that ‘Aunt Tiwo’. Please,” pleaded Chimbalanga.
Chimbalanga revealed that he now spends most of his time watching television.
“The past five months have been the most difficult in my life; I am trying to relax,” he said.
But Chimbalanga was quick to add that, while he plans to watch the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa, scheduled for today, he will find no solace in it since “I love netball sop much”.
“The World Cup will do nothing to raise my spirits. I love netball for life. I don’t think anything will change on my part because of the events taking place in South Africa,” said Chimbalanga.
He said he looked forward to getting back into the public arena again, and urged Malawians to be fair with him.
“I urge Malawians to get a life; let us mind our own business, instead of focusing all our attention on me and Steven Monjeza. There is more to life that ‘Aunt Tiwo’. Please,” pleaded Chimbalanga.
Chimbalanga revealed that he now spends most of his time watching television.
“The past five months have been the most difficult in my life; I am trying to relax,” he said.
Feedback: Please consider embedding this Newsy.com Video
Richard,
I read your posting about Moscow upholding the gay pride ban. It's such a shame that Russian president acted in defiance of the Russian constitution by denying people the right to protest peacefully.Here is a video I think you might find interesting: http://www.newsy.com/videos/new-jersey-school-under-fire-for-queer-theory-course/ It's a Newsy.com video that analyzes different news media perspectives on the issue of allowing a Catholic college in New Jersey to offer a "Queer Theory" class on the topic of gay marriage. Hopefully, you might consider embedding the video into a posting on your site as people in many nations are still fighting for the same rights.
Newsy.com videos analyze and synthesize news coverage of important global issues from multiple sources. Its unique method of presenting how different media outlets are covering a story provides context to help viewers understand complex global issues.
Please let me know if you decide to post the video or if you have any questions,
LaNita Williams
LaNitaW@yahoo.com
I read your posting about Moscow upholding the gay pride ban. It's such a shame that Russian president acted in defiance of the Russian constitution by denying people the right to protest peacefully.Here is a video I think you might find interesting: http://www.newsy.com/videos/new-jersey-school-under-fire-for-queer-theory-course/ It's a Newsy.com video that analyzes different news media perspectives on the issue of allowing a Catholic college in New Jersey to offer a "Queer Theory" class on the topic of gay marriage. Hopefully, you might consider embedding the video into a posting on your site as people in many nations are still fighting for the same rights.
Newsy.com videos analyze and synthesize news coverage of important global issues from multiple sources. Its unique method of presenting how different media outlets are covering a story provides context to help viewers understand complex global issues.
Please let me know if you decide to post the video or if you have any questions,
LaNita Williams
LaNitaW@yahoo.com
Aunt Tiwo takes to TV, but says World Cup will not ease problems
Malawi’s open gay, Tiwonge Chimbalanga, a.k.a Aunt Tiwo has rtevealed that he has spend the past 10 days watching television, as he refocuses his life after being pardoned by President Bingu wa Mutharika.
But Chimbalanga was quick to add that, while he plans to watch the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa, scheduled for today, he will find no solace in it since “I love netball sop much”.
“The World Cup will do nothing to raise my spirits. I love netball for life. I don’t think anything will change on my part because of the events taking place in South Africa,” said Chimbalanga.
He said he looked forward to getting back into the public arena again, and urged Malawians to be fair with him.
“I urge Malawians to get a life; let us mind our own business, instead of focusing all our attention on me and Steven Monjeza. There is more to life that ‘Aunt Tiwo’. Please,” pleaded Chimbalanga.
Chimbalanga revealed that he now spends most of his time watching television.
“The past five months have been the most difficult in my life; I am trying to relax,” he said.
But Chimbalanga was quick to add that, while he plans to watch the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa, scheduled for today, he will find no solace in it since “I love netball sop much”.
“The World Cup will do nothing to raise my spirits. I love netball for life. I don’t think anything will change on my part because of the events taking place in South Africa,” said Chimbalanga.
He said he looked forward to getting back into the public arena again, and urged Malawians to be fair with him.
“I urge Malawians to get a life; let us mind our own business, instead of focusing all our attention on me and Steven Monjeza. There is more to life that ‘Aunt Tiwo’. Please,” pleaded Chimbalanga.
Chimbalanga revealed that he now spends most of his time watching television.
“The past five months have been the most difficult in my life; I am trying to relax,” he said.
Anglican Mainstream's distortions and dishonesty: Call to boycott the Greenbelt festival over Tatchell invite
Call to boycott the Greenbelt festival over Tatchell invite
Hosting Tatchell will put children at risk of child sex abuse, claims Anglican activist
London - 24 May 2010
A leading consultant with Anglican Mainstream, the Church of England's conservative and traditionalist wing, has called for a boycott of the UK's Christian version of Woodstock, the mega Greenbelt arts festival, which takes place in Cheltenham in August.
Dr Lisa Nolland, apparently speaking on behalf of Anglican Mainstream, is calling on Christians to stay away in protest at the decision by the festival organisers to host a speech by gay rights and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
Last year, Anglican Mainstream demanded a boycott of Greenbelt after it invited gay US Bishop, Gene Robinson, as a guest speaker.
According to the Church of England Newspaper, Ms Nolland says that inviting Mr Tatchell will put more children at risk of sexual abuse (see full text below).
"The suggestion that my guest lecture at Greenbelt will leave children vulnerable to sexual abuse is a sordid slur, unworthy of a Christian," said Mr Tatchell, who has previously spoken at Greenbelt and received an overwhelmingly warm and positive reception from the packed out religious audience.
"My Greenbelt talk is not about teen sexuality, sex education or the age of consent. It is about the persecution of gay people in Africa, much of which is being orchestrated by Christian evangelicals who share Anglican Mainstream's fundamentalist interpretation of scripture.
"I will be highlighting rising homophobic victimisation and praising the inspiring defence of gay human rights by African Christian leaders such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda, who has been hounded and cast out by the Anglican Church of Uganda.
"Dr Nolland is bearing false witness. Her claims are partial, selective and distorted. Anglican Mainstream is colluding with her misrepresentations by giving them a platform on its website.
"Does she want me censored and banned by Greenbelt? It seems like an attack on freedom of speech. I am happy to debate with anyone from Anglican Mainstream. I await their invitation.
"Her account of my beliefs and campaigns is one-sided, biased and unbalanced.
"She has ignored totally my human rights work on global poverty, disarmament and anti-racism, and my support for the democratic struggles in Zimbabwe, Burma, Iran, Russia, Balochistan and Uganda. She doesn't mention a word about how I have condemned the persecution of Christians in countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and opposed the prosecution of homophobic street preachers like Harry Hammond, Shawn Holes and Dale McApline.
"Lisa Nolland presents a selective and distorted account of my essay on sex education. She has neglected to mention my advocacy of a sexual moral framework of mutual consent, respect and fulfilment, and my proposals to help protect young people against sex abuse.
"I would like to thank Anglican Mainstream for helping stir extra interest in Greenbelt; resulting in more people now planning to attend this year's festival because of the controversy over my invitation," said Mr Tatchell.
Dr Nolland's posting on the Anglican Mainstream website (12 May), reiterates her opposition to Mr Tatchell being an invited speaker at Greenbelt and concludes with this comment:
"Would a committed racist, pimp or Moslem with four wives and twenty-one children be put in the 2010 Greenbelt line-up if their poetry or art was unexcelled or their science was solving the problem of world hunger?"
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2010/05/12/greenbelt-and-peter-tatchell-an-update-2/
This is what Ms Nolland claims Peter Tatchell is advocating for sex education in schools:
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2010/04/29/ii-open-letter-to-greenbelt-on-its-invitations-to-robinson-and-tatchell/
This is the full account, including the moral perspectives, of what he wrote in his chapter in the book, Teenage Sex - What should schools teach children?:
http://www.petertatchell.net/sex%20education/schoolsex.htm
This is Dr Nolland's version of an interview that Peter Tatchell conducted on under-age sex and child sex abuse:
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2010/04/29/ii-open-letter-to-greenbelt-on-its-invitations-to-robinson-and-tatchell/
This is the full account of Mr Tatchell's interview with 14 year-old Lee. It is not an advocacy or approval of his sexual relationships with older men, but merely a reportage of Lee's perspective:
http://www.petertatchell.net/age%20of%20consent/14%20gay%20boyfriend.htm
More information: Peter Tatchell - 0207 403 1790
News report Church of England Newspaper
By Toby Cohen, 6 May 2010
BOYCOTT GREENBELT if you want to safeguard vulnerable children, said an Anglican Mainstream consultant after her concerns over the presence of Peter Tatchell at this year's festival were ignored.
Dr Lisa Nolland wrote an open letter to the festival organisers complaining about "the further gayification of Greenbelt," following the invitation of the gay rights campaigner, which she saw as compounding damage done by inviting the Bishop of New Hampshire, the Rt Rev Gene Robinson, to speak last year.
Dr Nolland wrote: "We are very concerned and alarmed. We would like to meet with you because we believe this is damaging to both Christian witness and the health of the nation. "Both Gene Robinson and Peter Tatchell are bad news for the church and for Greenbelt. Greenbelt does much that is good and even excellent. Why spoil it with such as this? "In the light of the above, I would very much appreciate an explanation of your invitation to Peter Tatchell for 2010, given your invitation to Gene Robin- son in 2009. "You will recall the specific concerns we raised about ensuring that equal airtime was given to orthodox Christian perspectives. On the face of it seems that our concerns have fallen on deaf ears."
Anglican Mainstream has posted a response from the festival on its website, which reads: "Each year Greenbelt hosts speakers with varying and sometimes contrasting views on a whole range of subjects. At any one time, we also ensure there are a range of lineup items that which they feel comfortable with."
Dr Nolland told The Church of England Newspaper that this statement was disingenuous. Not only did she decry the absence of a speaker who could present "the orthodox Biblical position on sexual ethics," she also suspected that the liberal campaigners were denying the voice of less palatable sexualities who might taint their case.
Dr Nolland said: "If Greenbelt actually wanted to have a really open honest discussion about all this, I'd have a far easier time with it. But instead - they talk about how they include and accept all and all are welcomed etc - that's rub- bish. There are all sorts of orientations out there who say 'look, LGBT people are doing to us what straight people did to them for centuries'.
Once the campaigners are accepted, they will then start leading Christians further astray, Dr Nolland fears. Illustrating how far this could go, she pointed to an interview Mr Tatchell conducted with a 14- year-old boy, 'Lee', who was sexually active with older men from the age of 12 and suggests that we should rethink our attitudes towards paedophilia.
Dr Nolland said that attending the festival will leave children more vulnerable to sexual abuse, because of Mr Tatchell's erosion of boundaries, "particularly if they are told we need to question - explore, try this, try that, try 200 things later on, explore your sexuality - that's actually a really bad idea". Mr Tatchell is currently in Australia attending a family funeral, and no one from Greenbelt was available to comment.
Hosting Tatchell will put children at risk of child sex abuse, claims Anglican activist
London - 24 May 2010
A leading consultant with Anglican Mainstream, the Church of England's conservative and traditionalist wing, has called for a boycott of the UK's Christian version of Woodstock, the mega Greenbelt arts festival, which takes place in Cheltenham in August.
Dr Lisa Nolland, apparently speaking on behalf of Anglican Mainstream, is calling on Christians to stay away in protest at the decision by the festival organisers to host a speech by gay rights and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
Last year, Anglican Mainstream demanded a boycott of Greenbelt after it invited gay US Bishop, Gene Robinson, as a guest speaker.
According to the Church of England Newspaper, Ms Nolland says that inviting Mr Tatchell will put more children at risk of sexual abuse (see full text below).
"The suggestion that my guest lecture at Greenbelt will leave children vulnerable to sexual abuse is a sordid slur, unworthy of a Christian," said Mr Tatchell, who has previously spoken at Greenbelt and received an overwhelmingly warm and positive reception from the packed out religious audience.
"My Greenbelt talk is not about teen sexuality, sex education or the age of consent. It is about the persecution of gay people in Africa, much of which is being orchestrated by Christian evangelicals who share Anglican Mainstream's fundamentalist interpretation of scripture.
"I will be highlighting rising homophobic victimisation and praising the inspiring defence of gay human rights by African Christian leaders such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda, who has been hounded and cast out by the Anglican Church of Uganda.
"Dr Nolland is bearing false witness. Her claims are partial, selective and distorted. Anglican Mainstream is colluding with her misrepresentations by giving them a platform on its website.
"Does she want me censored and banned by Greenbelt? It seems like an attack on freedom of speech. I am happy to debate with anyone from Anglican Mainstream. I await their invitation.
"Her account of my beliefs and campaigns is one-sided, biased and unbalanced.
"She has ignored totally my human rights work on global poverty, disarmament and anti-racism, and my support for the democratic struggles in Zimbabwe, Burma, Iran, Russia, Balochistan and Uganda. She doesn't mention a word about how I have condemned the persecution of Christians in countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and opposed the prosecution of homophobic street preachers like Harry Hammond, Shawn Holes and Dale McApline.
"Lisa Nolland presents a selective and distorted account of my essay on sex education. She has neglected to mention my advocacy of a sexual moral framework of mutual consent, respect and fulfilment, and my proposals to help protect young people against sex abuse.
"I would like to thank Anglican Mainstream for helping stir extra interest in Greenbelt; resulting in more people now planning to attend this year's festival because of the controversy over my invitation," said Mr Tatchell.
Dr Nolland's posting on the Anglican Mainstream website (12 May), reiterates her opposition to Mr Tatchell being an invited speaker at Greenbelt and concludes with this comment:
"Would a committed racist, pimp or Moslem with four wives and twenty-one children be put in the 2010 Greenbelt line-up if their poetry or art was unexcelled or their science was solving the problem of world hunger?"
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2010/05/12/greenbelt-and-peter-tatchell-an-update-2/
This is what Ms Nolland claims Peter Tatchell is advocating for sex education in schools:
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2010/04/29/ii-open-letter-to-greenbelt-on-its-invitations-to-robinson-and-tatchell/
This is the full account, including the moral perspectives, of what he wrote in his chapter in the book, Teenage Sex - What should schools teach children?:
http://www.petertatchell.net/sex%20education/schoolsex.htm
This is Dr Nolland's version of an interview that Peter Tatchell conducted on under-age sex and child sex abuse:
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2010/04/29/ii-open-letter-to-greenbelt-on-its-invitations-to-robinson-and-tatchell/
This is the full account of Mr Tatchell's interview with 14 year-old Lee. It is not an advocacy or approval of his sexual relationships with older men, but merely a reportage of Lee's perspective:
http://www.petertatchell.net/age%20of%20consent/14%20gay%20boyfriend.htm
More information: Peter Tatchell - 0207 403 1790
News report Church of England Newspaper
By Toby Cohen, 6 May 2010
BOYCOTT GREENBELT if you want to safeguard vulnerable children, said an Anglican Mainstream consultant after her concerns over the presence of Peter Tatchell at this year's festival were ignored.
Dr Lisa Nolland wrote an open letter to the festival organisers complaining about "the further gayification of Greenbelt," following the invitation of the gay rights campaigner, which she saw as compounding damage done by inviting the Bishop of New Hampshire, the Rt Rev Gene Robinson, to speak last year.
Dr Nolland wrote: "We are very concerned and alarmed. We would like to meet with you because we believe this is damaging to both Christian witness and the health of the nation. "Both Gene Robinson and Peter Tatchell are bad news for the church and for Greenbelt. Greenbelt does much that is good and even excellent. Why spoil it with such as this? "In the light of the above, I would very much appreciate an explanation of your invitation to Peter Tatchell for 2010, given your invitation to Gene Robin- son in 2009. "You will recall the specific concerns we raised about ensuring that equal airtime was given to orthodox Christian perspectives. On the face of it seems that our concerns have fallen on deaf ears."
Anglican Mainstream has posted a response from the festival on its website, which reads: "Each year Greenbelt hosts speakers with varying and sometimes contrasting views on a whole range of subjects. At any one time, we also ensure there are a range of lineup items that which they feel comfortable with."
Dr Nolland told The Church of England Newspaper that this statement was disingenuous. Not only did she decry the absence of a speaker who could present "the orthodox Biblical position on sexual ethics," she also suspected that the liberal campaigners were denying the voice of less palatable sexualities who might taint their case.
Dr Nolland said: "If Greenbelt actually wanted to have a really open honest discussion about all this, I'd have a far easier time with it. But instead - they talk about how they include and accept all and all are welcomed etc - that's rub- bish. There are all sorts of orientations out there who say 'look, LGBT people are doing to us what straight people did to them for centuries'.
Once the campaigners are accepted, they will then start leading Christians further astray, Dr Nolland fears. Illustrating how far this could go, she pointed to an interview Mr Tatchell conducted with a 14- year-old boy, 'Lee', who was sexually active with older men from the age of 12 and suggests that we should rethink our attitudes towards paedophilia.
Dr Nolland said that attending the festival will leave children more vulnerable to sexual abuse, because of Mr Tatchell's erosion of boundaries, "particularly if they are told we need to question - explore, try this, try that, try 200 things later on, explore your sexuality - that's actually a really bad idea". Mr Tatchell is currently in Australia attending a family funeral, and no one from Greenbelt was available to comment.
Swine flu outbreak in Northern Cameroon
An outbreak of the African swine flu has hit the far North Region of Cameroon. A release issued recently by the Senior Divisional Officer of Diamare Division in the Far North Region, Nassiri Paul Bea, warns of the outbreak.
Morocco: Swine flu kills again
Although the release states that the disease has been detected specifically in the Diamare Division, measures have been taken to contain it from spreading to neighbouring regions. To this effect the selling and slaughtering of pigs has been banned, movement of pigs in and out of Diamare Divison has also been prohibited.
Meanwhile, all pigs within the infected zone are expected to be killed.
The decision stresses that these preventive measures shall be lifted 40 days after the disappearance of the last case and disinfection of infected premises and objects.
Morocco: Swine flu kills again
Although the release states that the disease has been detected specifically in the Diamare Division, measures have been taken to contain it from spreading to neighbouring regions. To this effect the selling and slaughtering of pigs has been banned, movement of pigs in and out of Diamare Divison has also been prohibited.
Meanwhile, all pigs within the infected zone are expected to be killed.
The decision stresses that these preventive measures shall be lifted 40 days after the disappearance of the last case and disinfection of infected premises and objects.
The pain of today: Rela life poem for this day
My neck is sending pain to my whole body.
My back is following suit.
Problem is: Can't figure out where the pain is coming from.
The back sings pain,
So, too, the vertebrae column.
My head throbs,
And I can't turn left or right today.
I think life is tough today.
Tomorrow, June 12, 2010,
I will go for X-ray at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital,
One of the major hospitals in Malawi,
That hasn't had Chloramphenicol for five months now.
Hope there is life there,
Hope there is unconditional joy.
Now hope lies in an institution,
That lies empty at times,
Empty of hope that is drugs,
Empty of gladness,
Because of the emptiness of the chests of hope,
The chests of drugs.
Today, I cannot sit for ten minutes,
Neither can I sleep for twenty minutes,
It is all pain inside,
Where can I hide.
The pains are visible outside,
Which tree can I climb,
When there is no tree of joy in Malawi.
I cannot bask in the sun,
Because the sun seems to motivate pain.
Even the shadows bring no recourse
The coldness in them,
Seems to attract the cold within,
And send pain to the brain.
But tomorrow I am going for X-ray,
Perhaps there is life that way,
When today you cannot sleep,
Or bask in the pain.
Pain is a guitar,
It has a chord
A choral chord.
A way,
That sends pain in the sky.
My back is following suit.
Problem is: Can't figure out where the pain is coming from.
The back sings pain,
So, too, the vertebrae column.
My head throbs,
And I can't turn left or right today.
I think life is tough today.
Tomorrow, June 12, 2010,
I will go for X-ray at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital,
One of the major hospitals in Malawi,
That hasn't had Chloramphenicol for five months now.
Hope there is life there,
Hope there is unconditional joy.
Now hope lies in an institution,
That lies empty at times,
Empty of hope that is drugs,
Empty of gladness,
Because of the emptiness of the chests of hope,
The chests of drugs.
Today, I cannot sit for ten minutes,
Neither can I sleep for twenty minutes,
It is all pain inside,
Where can I hide.
The pains are visible outside,
Which tree can I climb,
When there is no tree of joy in Malawi.
I cannot bask in the sun,
Because the sun seems to motivate pain.
Even the shadows bring no recourse
The coldness in them,
Seems to attract the cold within,
And send pain to the brain.
But tomorrow I am going for X-ray,
Perhaps there is life that way,
When today you cannot sleep,
Or bask in the pain.
Pain is a guitar,
It has a chord
A choral chord.
A way,
That sends pain in the sky.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Malawi's behaviour over Taiwan was ill-conceived but development oriented
Yes, who hates development? Raise your hand!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
10 love proposals for Aunt Tiwo
Convicted and pardoned gay, Tiwonge Chimbalanga, popularly known as Aunt Tiwo, is having it all rosy these days.
The popular 'Aunt' has revealed that, so far, 'she' has received 10 love proposals from both local and international courters, adding 'she' was in no hurry.
Chimbalanga this week suffered the heart-breaking nes that Steven Chimbalanga, the man 'she' wanted to share a life-time with, had deserted 'her' for a Mbayani Township woman in Blantyre.
But 'she' has taken it on the chin, expressing hope there are many men out there out seeking for love; the love 'she' also needs.
"I am not worried with Monjeza's decision. Things are not as bad as people want them to be. Actually, ther are men out there who are interested in me and, so far, I have been approached by 10. I am in no hurry," said Aunt Tiwo.
Chimbalanga and Monjeza attracted a 14 year jail term on themselves from the Blantyre Magistrates' Court's Resident Magistrate Nyakwawa Usiwausiwa.
But President Bingu wa Mutharika pardoned them after pressure from donors like Britain, USA, Turky, European Union and UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, who took t upon himself to announce the pardon in Parliament during a visit last month.
While Monjeza has walked out on Chimbalanga, Aunt Tiwo is hopeful love is in the air.
"Another man will marry me," Chimbalanga said
The popular 'Aunt' has revealed that, so far, 'she' has received 10 love proposals from both local and international courters, adding 'she' was in no hurry.
Chimbalanga this week suffered the heart-breaking nes that Steven Chimbalanga, the man 'she' wanted to share a life-time with, had deserted 'her' for a Mbayani Township woman in Blantyre.
But 'she' has taken it on the chin, expressing hope there are many men out there out seeking for love; the love 'she' also needs.
"I am not worried with Monjeza's decision. Things are not as bad as people want them to be. Actually, ther are men out there who are interested in me and, so far, I have been approached by 10. I am in no hurry," said Aunt Tiwo.
Chimbalanga and Monjeza attracted a 14 year jail term on themselves from the Blantyre Magistrates' Court's Resident Magistrate Nyakwawa Usiwausiwa.
But President Bingu wa Mutharika pardoned them after pressure from donors like Britain, USA, Turky, European Union and UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, who took t upon himself to announce the pardon in Parliament during a visit last month.
While Monjeza has walked out on Chimbalanga, Aunt Tiwo is hopeful love is in the air.
"Another man will marry me," Chimbalanga said
Steven Monjeza seeks police protection
Steven Monjeza has told Malawi Today and Zachimalawi (www.zachimalawi.blogspot.com) he is tired of men who are pestering him with 'unnecessary calls', and says he is now seeking police protection from harrassment.
Monjeza said about 22 men unidentified men have now been calling him, threatening him with unspecified action.
"All I want is peace. As it is now, I am thinking of approaching the police for protection. I am a Malawian citizen," said Monjeza.
Monjeza said about 22 men unidentified men have now been calling him, threatening him with unspecified action.
"All I want is peace. As it is now, I am thinking of approaching the police for protection. I am a Malawian citizen," said Monjeza.
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