Our take on the struggle for gay rights in Lebanon.

Gay Rights In Lebanon

ABC Foreign Correspondent James Longman tells Travel Gay about his life on the road, how he came out to the homophobic head of police in Chechnya and how Damascus in Syria is his favorite place on earth. 

James Longman

ABC News' James Longman on traveling the world as a gay TV correspondent

Both married and single individuals may adopt in Lebanon. However, Lebanon does not recognize same-sex marriage.

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

Homosexuality is not legal in Lebanon as of 2023

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

Sexual contact with another male, even once.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

The Lebanese government has vowed to shut down LGBT organizations, while several films have been banned in the country for LGBT content. Although it is not explicitly illegal to promote homosexuality as many LGBT night clubs and bars exist in the country.

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

As well as requiring gender reassignment surgery, they must also be unmarried and not have children.

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

Homosexuality was declassified as an illness in 2013. 
The Lebanese Psychiatric Society, the Lebanese Psychological Association, other professional associations and NGOs have called for banning conversion therapy. To date, it is still legal.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

Note: Technically illegal, although enforcement is ambiguous. 
 
Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code prohibits sexual relations that “contradict the laws of nature”. 
 
While the law has been used to penalize homosexuality, it has been successfully challenged in court several times with defendants being acquitted. Several courts have also declined to prosecute. 
 
Currently no national law has been passed to repeal Article 534, decriminalize homosexual activity, or clarify the position of the law.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

No discrimination protections in housing. Full housing discrimination protection pending.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

Same-sex marriage is not currently legal in Lebanon. The country does not recognize same-sex marriage or any other form of legal partnership for same-sex couples. There have been some calls for the legalization of same-sex marriage in Lebanon, but the issue remains controversial and there has been no significant movement towards changing the current legal status of same-sex marriage in the country.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

In 2019 a military tribunal acquited four personnel who accused of sodomy. The judge ruled that the law does not specify what acts are "contrary to nature". They were however dismissed from their posts. 

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

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Gay Lebanon

Gay Lebanon guide linking to our gay Beirut page. Information about gay bars and gay-friendly hotels.

Gay Lebanon

Lebanon was once known as "the Switzerland of the Middle East". Its capital city, Beirut, is home to a growing and increasingly open gay scene.

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