Secretary Clinton Praises the Pardon of Gay Couple in Malawi

Once again, Secretary Clinton takes the lead in speaking out for gay rights while Obama, well, kind of always seems like he has a hairball in his throat whenever he talks about these issues. From the State Dept.:

I join President Obama in applauding President Bingu wa Mutharika for his wise and courageous decision to pardon Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza. He has provided an example for nations across Africa and the world as they debate laws that criminalize sexual orientation.
Human rights belong to all, and must be respected by all. Sexual orientation and gender identity should under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular executions, arrests or detention.
This is a good day for Malawi, for Africa, and for people of conscience everywhere.

It is clear as day that homophobic President Binu wa Mutharika felt a tremendous amount of PUBLIC, INTERNATIONAL pressure which forced his hand. You know where I am going with this, don’t you? (*cough* CHINA *cough*). As much as I’d like to believe he just had a sudden change of heart and realized that imprisoning people based on who they love, is not really consistent with, well, humanity, I don’t think that’s the case. Call me cynical.

Here is some background on the case.

Of course in Uganda, being gay can result in the death penalty.

ps. That Hillary pic above from the campaign. Love it. I have three of ‘em.