LGBT 2019 night, former Mufti objects

The LGBT rights advocate Beirut Pride organizer announced the opening night for 2019, this Saturday, September 28 at Aresco Centre, Sanayeh, Beirut, noting that the events will run from September 28 until October 6. Upon the announcement, the former Mufti of the Republic, Mohamad Rashid Qabbani, declared war on same sex marriage, homosexuality and what he calls “debauchery”, as he alleged. In a statement he released to this end, Qabbani asked, who is responsible for the protection of the security of public morality in the country so as to act responsibly and hunt violators and bring them to justice, as he says.  He advised Lebanese officials to be realistic and respond quickly to the demands of the Lebanese and immediately stop the projected concert which sustains the rights of LGBTs and defends the legalization of same-sex marriage. Recalling, this is not the first time Qabbani objects to pro-LGBT activities, as he advised last year the banning of what he alleged to be a gay party at the AUB. The Beirut Pride 2018 coordinator was arrested and the event cancelled. (An Nahar, September 26, 2019)