http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12363852
Two of Malawi's most senior judicial officials are arguing over
whether a new bill includes a provision that outlaws breaking wind in
public.
Justice Minister George Chaponda says the new bill would criminalise
flatulence to promote "public decency".
"Just go to the toilet when you feel like farting," he told local radio.
However, he was directly contradicted by Solicitor General Anthony
Kamanga, who says the reference to "fouling the air" means pollution.
"How any reasonable or sensible person can construe the provision to
criminalising farting in public is beyond me," he said, adding that
the prohibition contained in the new law has been in place since 1929.
The Local Courts Bill, to be introduced next week reads: "Any person
who vitiates the atmosphere in any place so as to make it noxious to
the public to the health of persons in general dwelling or carrying on
business in the neighbourhood or passing along a public way shall be
guilty of a misdemeanour."
Mr Chaponda, a trained lawyer, insists that this includes farting.
"Would you be happy to see people farting anyhow?" he asked on the
popular "Straight Talk" programme on Malawi's Capital Radio.
He said that local chiefs would deal with any offenders.
When asked whether it could be enforced, he said it would be similar
to laws banning urinating in public.
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