❊ Why Now is the Best Time to Push for Civil Marriage in Lebanon

Remember back in the day when President Elias el Hrawi made a big push for civil marriage in Lebanon?

Back then we had an epic battle that pitted progressives (the secular left, liberals, the President and civil right groups) against traditionalists (Religious leaders and a strong Prime Minister). The progressives fought a good battle, but in the end they lost.

But take a moment and think what would happen if we re-lived that fight today?

The Maronite Patriarchy, a key pillar of the traditionalist alliance seems to have had a big change of heart: Patriarch Rai now wants compulsory civil marriage for all the Lebanese. That is a game changer.

The Sunni scene has also changed. The sect no longer chants in unison behind a strong Prime Minister and his Mufti. The Mufti is not on good terms with the Future Movement, the Future Movement is no longer ruling and the Sunni Prime Minister is weak.

Even the overall environment has changed. We didn’t have Facebook and Twitter back then to organize, and the entire region is more ready for big changes and people action today. Lebanon deserves a slice of the Arab Spring.

I say it’s time to re-enlist the troops, roll up our sleeves, dust-off the old banners and fight a decisive second round..