McConnell caught up in African gay rights row

Oct 1 2008 by Chris Black, Wishaw Press

JACK McConnell has been drawn into a huge row about homosexuality in Malawi ahead of taking up his new post as High Commissioner to the African nation.

McConnell was appointed to be the next High Commissioner to Malawi following his resignation as Scottish Labour’s leader last summer, although he has not yet taken up the post.

But the MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw is causing outrage among conservatives in the country who believe he would support gay rights. This is due to the Scottish Parliament scrapping the Section 28 law, abolishing the ban on the promotion of homosexuality in schools.

Cen Mbowani of the Malawi Congress Party slammed the MSP in a defiant statement. He said: “This man McConnell will not be allowed to influence any policy in this country and, personally, I wouldn’t think he’s welcome in Malawi. He can come and visit us as a human being no problem.

“But to talk about homosexuality in our country, I don’t think Malawians will want to listen to that kind of nonsense. It’s a non-starter.”

Malawian gay rights movement Magrim have existed for years as an underground movement and are increasingly becoming a vocal force in Malawian politics.

A spokesperson, who was still too fearful to be named, said: “We are anxiously waiting for the arrival of Jack McConnell. We believe he will use his influence as High Commissioner as well as his close working relationship with President Bingu Mutharika to put in place friendly legislation for homosexuality.”

Mr McConnell’s office said the Foreign Office was dealing with the matter.