Madonna Expresses Herself in Support of Jailed Gay Couple in Malawi

Music legend "shocked and saddened" by the sentencing of two men to 14 years of hard labor for the crime of homosexuality

Madonna has always had a soft spot for Malawi. The country gave her two children and she's returned her appreciation by donating millions. But now she's pissed.

The Queen of Pop is lashing out after two men were sentenced to 14 years of hard labor in a Malawian court for the crime of homosexuality. 

The couple were convicted of gross indecency and unnatural acts after holding an engagement ceremony, according to reports.

"I am shocked and saddened by the decision made today by the Malawian court, which sentenced two innocent men to prison," Madonna said in a statement.

"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." 

While government officials from Britain to the White House have condemned the verdict, Madonna is calling on people everywhere to voice their disapproval in hopes that the men will be released.

"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," she said. 

The 51-year-old star has adopted two children from Malawi, David and Mercy, and cofounded Raising Malawi in 2006, which strives to bring an end to the poverty and hardship that plagues the country. The organization is building an all-girls boarding school in Malawi.