Lebanon election is considering LGBT+ rights for the first time

Lebanon is having its first election in nine years, and the rights of LGBT+ people are being considered for the first time. Almost 100 Lebanese officials are calling for LGBT+ rights to be directly addressed – making it the most high-level of endorsement for queer people in the Arab world.

Ameen Rhayem is one of the most prominent voices in the call to decriminalise homosexuality in the region – where according to Article 534 a man can face up to a year in jail for “simply loving another man”. Rhayem and other activists have produced a video to direct Lebanese people to candidates who will enact change for the community.

Watch the video here.

Activists are arguing that holding back social change is affecting the country’s economy as well, and if they don’t push forward LGBT+ rights then the country cannot move forward either.

Electoral candidate Rania Masri said: “We want to end all discriminatory policies. So naturally, that includes the LGBTQ community.”

Many are saying this new focus on LGBT+ rights is because the youth vote will be vitally important in this election. People aged 21-29 will be voting for the first time in Lebanon.

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