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Madonna has a complicated bond with the country of Malawi, where she recently opened a school and where her two adopted children, David and Mercy (whose initial adoption request was rejected), were born. Now, the iconic pop star is speaking out against a Malawian court's sentencing of a homosexual couple this week.
Yesterday, two men Steven Mojenza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, were sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of gross indecency and unnatural acts after they took part in an "engagement ceremony," CNN reports.
The prison sentence has horrified many around the world, including Madonna, who has long been an advocate for gay rights. According to E!, the singer said in a statement, "I am shocked and saddened by the decision made today by the Malawian court, which sentenced two innocent men to prison. Today Malawi took a giant step backward. The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support our basic human right to love and be loved."
Madonna, 51, concluded by saying, "I call upon the progressive men and women of Malawi -- and around the world -- to challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all."
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Do you think the court ruling will change Madonna's relationship with Malawi? Chime in below!
