Our Petition to Abolish 534
The Lebanese elections are coming up! Will the politicians listen to the real voices of their people? Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code criminalizes "sexual acts against nature" and is used to target homosexuals and promote a general public hatred towards LGBTs in Lebanon. It is high time we strongly demand that the government remove this article and ensure equality for all its population without discrimination.
We are asking Lebanese people only (in Lebanon and abroad) to sign this petition so that we reach 10,000 citizens whose voices cannot be ignored in our country any longer. Gay or straight - it doesn't matter. Our cause is about human dignity and the right to protection. It is time we all stood together and recognized that none of us are free until all of us are free.
Once this petition hits 10,000 people, we will send it to all 128 members of the Lebanese parliament (hopefully right after the elections in June), as well as to the parliamentary human rights committee, the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Social Affairs.
Please sign the petition here!
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/abolish-article-534-of-the-lebanese-pen...
Notes on Article 534
On Sunday, May 17, 2009 and on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Mr. Nizar Saghieh spoke about the legal ramifications of Article 534 in Lebanon at a talk organized by Helem. A prominent human rights lawyer, Mr. Saghieh explained the implications of Article 534 and the strategies that can be used to annul it.
The following notes were taken at the talk by individuals and can in no way be taken to reflect with any legal accuracy Mr. Saghieh's points.
Here are some of Mr. Saghieh's most interesting points during that talk:
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