Lebanese are protesting in Beirut against the use of anal examinations on men suspected of homosexuality and “virginity tests” for women. Same sex relations in the Arab country are considered a crime and punishable by up to one year in jail.
The LGBT community featured largely among Lebanese demonstrators who gathered outside the law courts in the capital holding banners that read “United to abolish the tests of shame”.
Lebanon-based HELEM, considered the Arab world’s first and leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights group, called for the rally under the slogan: “Stand up against the tests of shame, vaginal or anal.”
One sign read: “The cost of forensic rape: 125,000 Lebanese lira” (about $85), pointing out that the men subjected to the anal probes were being charged for the procedure, AFP reports.
“This test is completely stupid, but mostly it is a rape, and it has psychological consequences for the victims,” LGBT activist, who took part in the protest, told RT.
Although homosexuality is illegal in the Lebanon, prosecution is rare and the nation is regarded as relatively liberal compared to others in the Middle East.
Source: RT. To read more go here