In a 4 paged petition presented to Parliament on Thursday, after a peaceful march in Lilongwe, the clerics express their concern with attempts to formalize homosexuality in Malawi. They argue that besides being sinful and unnatural homosexuality acts and unions are a threat to society.

The faith groups comprising, Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM), Quadria Muslim Association of Malawi (QMAM), Malawi Council of Churches (MCC), Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) and Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) share the belief that God created male and female for a reason and designed marriage to be between man and woman.

Any relationship contrary to this, they say, is spiritually unacceptable and a violation of God’s law.

The leaders of these faith groups however acknowledge that there are people in their midst who practice homosexuality. They say such people are abnormal and require support and counseling.

The faith leaders observe in their petition that marriage, family and humanity are under attack in the country by those pushing for legalization of homosexuality.

Reads part of the petition, “What we see is a deliberate move to influence the removal of laws that criminalize homosexuality practices and unions.

We are aware that the majority of Malawians do not support efforts to normalize same sex relations. It is therefore important for Malawians to strongly stand against any attempt by the adversaries of family to redefine the institution of family under the pretext of reviewing those laws that criminalize homosexuality or even invalidating or replacing them.”

The peaceful protests were also held in other cities and districts, including Mzuzu, Blantyre, Zomba and Mangochi.