At least 50 LGBT activists staged a protest outside the Hbeish police station in Beirut, Lebanon, to protest anti-homosexual law.
The activists from the Helem Association demanded the government repeal article 534 of the penal code and release four transgender women.
From The Jewish Press:
Helem leader Genwa Samhat told AFP that the sit-in, which took place two days before the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, “calls for the abolition of this section of law dating from the (1920-1943) French mandate in Lebanon.” She added: “Most people arrested under this law aren’t detained in the act but in the street because of their appearance.” Also, she said, people “continue to be fired if their boss finds out they’re gay. They’re made to say they quit voluntarily for fear of being outed.”According to Naharnet, Lebanese police are known to raid nightclubs serving homosexual patrons, and homosexuality is a frequent subject of ridicule on television.
Article 534 “criminalizes ‘unnatural sexual intercourse,’ which is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment.”
People protested outside of a Beirut court in 2012 against the anal tests used on men to determine homosexuality after a police raid at a gay venue. A few months later, the Order of Physicians told doctors “they will face disciplinary measures if they carry out anal examinations ordered by the judiciary intended to provide evidence of homosexuality.” The memo said the examination is “a gross violation of the rights of persons” and that it violates the “[United Nations] Convention Against Torture.”
This news comes after businesses, celebrities, and musical acts decided to boycott North Carolina over their decision to not allow transgender people to use any bathroom they want.
But look what I found! Some of these businesses and people have not boycotted Lebanon even though homosexuals can receive jail time. Apparently, the ability to not use the bathroom of your choice is worse than police throwing you in prison.
Bryan Adams boycotted North Carolina, but he performed in Lebanon in 2010, 2011, and 2015.
Deutsche Bank also boycotted North Carolina. However, they have a location in Beirut. In 2012, the American University in Beirut announced that the bank launched an annual MBA scholarship!
PayPal pulled out of North Carolina, but still exists in Lebanon. Pepsi also remains in Lebanon without wanting anything to do with North Carolina. Other hypocrites include Hyatt hotels and Hewlett-Packard.
[Featured image via YouTube]
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