Helem is pushing forward to abolish Article 534 which bans “unnatural sex”, used by the police and judicial department to arrest gays in Lebanon.
Helem is treading carefully. The group, founded in 2004, is talking with legal experts on how to approach lawmakers and lobby to have Article 534 abolished. Helem members would not comment on how they intend to carry out the campaign.
A Gay-Straight Alliance has also emerged with the same goal. You can petition online for the removal of the article and make donations towards the campaign. Also, if you come across a Crepaway in Lebanon, you can pick up their in-store magazine, HangOut, which will contain an awareness advert:
Article 534 Public Awareness Ad
3 comments
babagannouj
May 11, 2009 at 7:11 AM (UTC 4) Link to this comment
AMEN to that!
I really hope it’s abolished.
It’s about time we join the ranks of civilized countries.
Jad Aoun
May 11, 2009 at 9:35 PM (UTC 4) Link to this comment
We’ll have to wait for the elections but hopefully the changes can be made. Though, we are left with the changing the current mindset.
John
May 21, 2009 at 8:52 AM (UTC 4) Link to this comment
Finally a site for gays