It’s Legal, But Keep It Quiet

Lebanese Homosexuals have done the right thing by coming out, but the way the system handled it is worrying.

I remember once reading in GQ that the prostitution industry in Lebanon is one of the most regulated ones in the world. Apparently, Escort ladies and pleasure providers are required by law to be regularly tested for STDs and to use condoms. Their brothels should be licensed and there’s a minimum age for sex workers (so says GQ)

I remember my first reaction when I read that article was: “Who decides this kind of stuff?” I don’t recall anyone debating in parliament the merits of regulating prostitution. The weird thing is that I support such measures (it’s better to regulate than moralize), but I also know that a public debate in parliament would kill it at birth.

What does this have to do with Helem and the gay conference that took place for the first time in the Arab world in Beirut?

Consider this from the BBC:

The organization (HELEM) is considered legal because the government did not respond negatively to their request for registration within three months of applying. “Basically, they did not know what do with us so they didn’t respond, therefore we’re legal,” Mr Azzi said.

THAT is the problem! Our government is liberal enough to accept homosexuals (unlike the commercial sex issue which is simply one of Lebanon’s secret touristic cash cows), but the way the Lebanese system handles tricky social issues can be summarized as: Do it, we will regulate it, but let’s all try not to talk about it.

But if a public debate doesn’t take place and the Lebanese society as a whole is not convinced, what can guarantee the permanence of such regulations?