On May 17th, the world “celebrated” International Day Against Homophobia. I bet many of you, like me, didn’t even know such a day was recognized. I wouldn’t have known about the day if it wasn’t for Lurleen’s post over at Pam’s House Blend sharing statements from leaders of the European Union condemning homophobia in recognition of the day.

After reading and listening to EU leaders, I couldn’t help but to be envious of the progress the nations of the EU have made toward equality and sigh at the war against discrimination that we continue to have to fight here in the United States.

Still, we are reminded from time to time that the United States has made some progress, and certainly is nowhere near the worst place to call home for any LGBT person. Today, just three days after the International Day Against Homophobia, it is being reported that a gay couple in Malawi has been convicted of “sodomy and indecency” and sentenced to 14 years hard labor for the “crimes” they were charged with after they were engaged.

While my heart aches for the Malawian couple, I also recognize that, in some ways, the United States isn’t much more enlightened or accepting. It was only seven years ago in 2003 that the Supreme Court ruled sodomy laws, which were generally aimed at homosexuals, unconstitutional in Lawrence v. Texas. Before that time, United States citizens could have been, and obviously were, arrested for consensual practices which normally take place in the privacy of one’s bedroom. As an aside, I’ve always found it amusing how such laws had the support of conservatives who allege they are for less government intrusion into the private lives of the people.

We have a long way to go toward full equality in the United States, and in the world. It’s outrageous that anyone be sentenced to prison and hard labor for loving someone else; however, it’s equally outrageous that people be denied employment, the honor of military service, or the recognition of being couple or family due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. We as Americans, and as human beings, can be better and do better than we are now. To do so, we must, as President Herman Van Rompuy of the European Council wrote, be “inspired by the sense for human dignity and the uniqueness of each person”, and truly believe that, “everyone deserves equal chances in life.”

UPDATE: The President of Malawi has pardoned this couple. The White House released this statement, “The White House is pleased to learn of President Bingu wa Mutharika’s pardon of Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza. These individuals were not criminals and their struggle is not unique. We must all recommit ourselves to ending the persecution and criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity. We hope that President Mutharika’s pardon marks the beginning of a new dialogue which reflects the country’s history of tolerance and a new day for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights in Malawi and around the globe.”

Related posts:

1. From the State of the Union to action: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” targeted
2. Smoke Screening Discrimination?
3. McDonnell Issues Non-Discrimination Directive
4. Reflecting on the National Equality March
5. Virginia Democrats Vote in Support of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal