AP Interview: Malawi unlikely to ax anti-gay laws

NEW YORK — Malawi's President Joyce Banda says her country isn't ready to repeal a law which outlaws homosexuality, despite her pledge after taking office to work to overturn the legislation.

Banda, Africa's second female head of state, told The Associated Press in an interview Friday that the public does not support overturning the law.

Despite her own hopes of reform, "anyone who has listened to the debate in Malawi realizes that Malawians are not ready to deal with that right now," Banda said.

She urged the international community to allow "each country to have that debate freely without the pressure of being pushed."

Banda also acknowledged her disappointment after Madonna scaled back charity efforts, scrapping a planned $15 million academy for girls. "It is a very painful matter," she said.