Lebanon: LGBT rights seminar canceled during Beirut Pride Week

Event

The Proud Lebanon LGBT activist group announced on Monday, May 15, that a weekend seminar to promote LGBT rights planned in Beirut has been canceled. According to Proud Lebanon, the group received threats from religious groups to protest outside the event. Proud Lebanon decided to cancel the seminar due to security concerns. LGBT pride events are still planned throughout the week and can be found at the Beirut Pride website. Protests against the events may occur.

Context

This is the second year in a row that Proud Lebanon has had to cancel an event due to pressure from religious groups. Homophobia and opposition to gay rights remains common in Lebanon, and such events frequently come under fire from conservative religious groups. According to Proud Lebanon, this weekend's planned seminar was going to include screenings, lectures, and parties to take a positive stance against hate and discrimination.

Advice

Individuals present in Beirut are advised to avoid all protests and public gatherings and to maintain a low profile. Allow for additional travel time in the vicinity of any Pride events.

On a separate note, due to the threat of terrorism and of abduction, some Western governments advise their nationals against travel to the city of Tripoli, as well as Beirut's southern districts, southern Lebanon, and the country's eastern regions (including Baalbeck, Hermel, Majdel, and Rachaiya). Travel to such areas should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.