Beirut, Lebanon – An alarming escalation in attacks against the LGBTI community unfolded at Madame Om, an LGBTI-friendly bar, when a far-right Christian group, Jnoud El-Rab, launched a violent assault on the establishment. Aya Majzoub, Amnesty International’s deputy regional director for the Middle East & North Africa, condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for accountability in the face of such violence. The incident followed troubling remarks by high-level politicians and religious figures, raising concerns about the safety and rights of the LGBTI population in Lebanon.
Majzoub emphasized Lebanon’s constitutional guarantees of equality, free expression, and free assembly for all individuals, underscoring the importance of upholding human rights in the country. The attack on Madame Om served as a stark reminder of the deteriorating situation for LGBTI people in Lebanon, warranting immediate action from the authorities to prevent further discrimination and violence against the community.
Amnesty International reviewed videos of the attack, revealing the assailants destroying property, assaulting patrons attempting to leave, and issuing threats against the owner for promoting homosexuality. The group, known as “Jnoud El-Rab,” espoused homophobic views and declared that LGBTI individuals have no place in Lebanese society, perpetrating a climate of fear and hostility.
Despite the presence of the Internal Security Forces at the scene, the attack at Madame Om was not halted, and none of the assailants were apprehended. The lack of intervention by authorities raises questions about the government’s commitment to protecting all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. The failure to address such violence effectively enables further discrimination and harm to the LGBTI community, highlighting the urgent need for action.
In recent weeks, Lebanon’s political and religious leaders have intensified their anti-LGBTI rhetoric, with calls for violence and discriminatory actions targeting the community. These actions, including attempts to censor media and restrict freedoms, pose a significant threat to the rights and well-being of LGBTI individuals in the country. The crackdown on expressions of diversity and inclusion reflects a broader trend of intolerance and discrimination, underscoring the challenges faced by marginalized communities in Lebanon.