Zambian magistrate acquits men in gay sex case

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/03/zambian-magistrate-acquits-men-gay-sex-case

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A Zambian magistrate has acquitted two men charged with having sexual relations "against the order of nature", saying the state had failed to prove its case.

Philip Mubiana and James Mwape, both in their early 20s, had been held since May 2013 and faced up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

The case drew the attention of human rights groups and foreign governments concerned that Zambia may be hardening its stance on gay rights since the introduction of tough laws in Uganda and elsewhere in Africa.

The men were arrested after being reported to the police by one of Mubiana's relatives.

Outside court in Kapiri Mposhi, the small town 125 miles north of Lusaka where the trial took place, several residents denounced western governments for their support of the pair.

In February, another Zambian magistrate acquitted the leading gay rights activist Paul Kasonkomona on charges of encouraging homosexuality after concluding that the prosecution had failed to prove its case.