Arrests in Beirut Gay Club
13.11.05
Taken from www.helem.net
On the night of November 12, 2005, 6 men were arrested in Acid nightclub, a
known gay venue in Sin el Fil. No charges were pressed against them. The
detainees were released after 3 days of detention. Although no physical
abuse was reported, the police were verbally abusive towards the men.
A week later, another known gay club, X-OM, was raided. The police checked
IDs and inquired about drug use in the venue. No arrests took place that
night.
Acid and X-OM were probably targeted by the police for their openly gay
clientele, although legally they had no pretext for any arrests. Article 534
of the Lebanese penal code explicitly states that “penetrative sex against
nature” is punishable by law, and not homosexuality per se or the adoption
of a gay identity. Laws against public indecency may be enforced if
excessive displays of affection or other such behavior is witnessed, but
this does not entail the same sort
These arrests and raids are not haphazard. The increasing political tensions
in the country are being manifested in severely heightened security measures
that include augmented activity by the Vice Squads of the Internal Security
Forces across Lebanon. Helem is working closely with lawyers and NGOs
concerned with civil rights and liberties to make sure that incidents such
as the haphazard arrests that occurred will not be repeated.
We will keep you updated on our work in this regard. In the meantime, please
make sure to read our Know Your Rights
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