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A Critical Analysis in Relation to Human Rights in Malawi

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A Critical Analysis in Relation to Human Rights in Malawi CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY ZAMBIA School of Law HOMOSEXUALITY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS IN RELATION TO HUMAN RIGHTS IN MALAWI By NATASHA KAFOTEKA (004-700) A Dissertation submitted to the School of Law, in partial fulfilment of the award of Bachelor in of Law Degree (LLB) at Cavendish University Zambia CUZ 2020 i Homosexuality: A Critical Analysis in Relation to Human Rights in Malawi 004-700 ABSTRACT HOMOSEXUALITY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS IN HUMAN RIGHTS IN MALAWI: Despite the existence of laws criminalising sexual activity between same-sex couplings in the Malawi Penal Code, and rising awareness of human rights related to sexuality on the international plane, the topic of homosexuality in relation to human rights was yet to be addressed in the domestic context until R v Soko and another. While the country is yet to make progressive changes on its laws regarding homosexuality, public opinion has been identified as playing a major role in the decriminalisation process. This project sought to ascertain the reasons the average Malawian can give for opposing homosexuality, in order to determine if such opinions may be rationalised by existing legal principles. In doing so, possible recommendations could then be made on what measures can be taken to change public opinions on the matter of homosexuality and thus pave the way for decriminalisation. Through a mixed- model research design, secondary data analysis and a literature review, the study found that a majority of Malawians did not agree with homosexuality, and supported the imposition of legal restrictions for homosexual activity in the country. However, more educated participants were shown to be more tolerant of same-sex activity. To this end, the study concluded by detailing measures that can be taken in the country to better the education sector in the hopes of one day repealing the homosexuality laws in the country, which violate the human rights of sexual minorities. ii Homosexuality: A Critical Analysis in Relation to Human Rights in Malawi 004-700 DEDICATION This project is dedicated firstly to the family I am blessed with; Dad, Mum, Pempho, Roy and Keelan. Secondly, I dedicate this book to the friends who have become family. Aunt Maureen, Nicky, Maya, Raeesa and Sarang. You were all there to encourage me when I felt discouraged, and to make me laugh when I wanted to cry with frustration. I thank God for you all every day. iii Homosexuality: A Critical Analysis in Relation to Human Rights in Malawi 004-700 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research project could not have been completed without the help of many people. Firstly, I wish to thank God, who makes all things possible, and without whom I am lost. Secondly, I would like to thank my supervisor Ms. K. Chinambu for her patience and guidance in completing this project. I would like to thank my friends Tafadzwa Maisva and Raeesa Jagot for always being there to proof-read my work, and offer their words of encouragement. I would not have been able to complete this project without you. I would further like to thank my mother Mrs. Chrissie Kafoteka, for always being there to help in any and every way she could, my brother Roy Kafoteka, who helped me with my data entry. I would like to thank Dr. Jones Harambu Mawerenga for taking the time to meet with me and providing me with his invaluable book The Homosexuality Debate in Malawi; Mr. Eddie Kalonga for offering me advice and assistance along the way. I would also like to thank Senior Prophet Dr. Rex Kalolo (M.D) executive secretary of Prophetic Ministries Association of Malawi (PROMAM) and Overseer of Altar of Liberty Church of All Nations (ALCOAN) and executive member of Faith Leaders Platform in Malawi; Ms. Sarai Chisala-Tempelhoff, Senior Legal Researcher & Founder of the Gender and Justice Unit; Mr. Endson Kalolo, Traditional Authority of Mapuyu village, Lilongwe; and Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Mapuyu North, Mr. Horace Levus Chipuwa. Lastly to every person who took the time to participate in my questionnaire and shared it with others, thank you. iv Homosexuality: A Critical Analysis in Relation to Human Rights in Malawi 004-700 COPYRIGHT DECLARATION I hereby declare that this project is my own original work and research and that where other people’s work has been used; it has been properly acknowledged and referenced in good order. I have not used work previously produced by another student or any other person to hand in as my own. I hereby submit my project in partial fulfilment of the requirement of Cavendish University Zambia’s Bachelor in Law program with the approval of my supervisor. Signature: ............................................................ Date: .............................................................. Natasha Kafoteka v Homosexuality: A Critical Analysis in Relation to Human Rights in Malawi 004-700 FACULTY OF LAW I recommend that the obligatory essay under my supervision By NATASHA KAFOTEKA Entitled: HOMOSEXUALITY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS IN RELATION TO HUMAN RIGHTS IN MALAWI. Be accepted for examination. I have checked it carefully and I am satisfied that it fulfils the requirement pertaining to the format as laid down in the regulations governing obligatory essays. Supervisor: ............................................................ Date: .............................................................. MS. KAFWILU CHINAMBU vi Homosexuality: A Critical Analysis in Relation to Human Rights in Malawi 004-700 TABLE OF CONTENTS DEDICATION ................................................................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................................................................. iv COPYRIGHT DECLARATION ....................................................................................................................... v LIST OF ACRONYMS ..................................................................................................................................... ix CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 1 1.1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.2. BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................ 3 1.3. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ................................................................................................ 7 1.4. RATIONALE ..................................................................................................................................... 7 1.5. HYPOTHESIS .................................................................................................................................... 7 1.6. OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................................... 8 1.7. RESEARCH QUESTIONS ............................................................................................................... 8 1.8. OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................... 8 1.9. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................... 9 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................ 10 2.1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 10 2.2. HOMOSEXUALITY IN RELATION TO HUMAN RIGHTS .......................................................... 10 2.3. A HISTORY OF HOMOSEXUALITY .......................................................................................... 15 2.4. CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS FACTORS ................................................................................ 16 2.5. HOMOSEXUALITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH ............................................................................ 19 2.6. HOMOSEXUALITY AND MORALITY ...................................................................................... 20 2.7. EDUCATION ................................................................................................................................... 21 2.8. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................. 22 CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ................................................................................ 24 3.1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 24 3.2. METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................................ 24 3.3. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................................... 25 3.4. DATA METHODS ........................................................................................................................... 25 3.5. SAMPLING ...................................................................................................................................... 28 3.6. QUESTIONNAIRE .........................................................................................................................
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