Lebanon

In the United States, citizens take their freedom and rights on numerous things for granted. Different countries, such as Lebanon, do not get to experience the wide range privileges we have grown accustomed to in America. Settled in the western party of Asia, Lebanon appears to be a quiet and calm country. But Lebanese citizens constantly debate and fight over their country’s status on controversial and different human rights, such as laws against the gays and their country’s women’s right, on a daily basis.

Lebanon is a country very well known for its strict religious Muslims upbringing (Lebanon 2011). Because of the country’s religious background, sexual relations and sexuality remains a notorious topic that is not discuss amongst others. According to Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code, it is forbidden to participate in sexual relations that go against what the Lebanese citizens consider as laws of nature, such as homosexuality, adultery, sodomy, and fornication. If they were to be caught, punishment of a year or more in prison will be the result of the crime (LGBT rights in Lebanon 2011). Not only does Lebanon’s laws and strict religion prevents citizens in partaking what they consider a devious act, their society also plays a large role in attempting to stop homosexuality to spread throughout their country. In 2003, Lebanese media reported a situation at a Dunkin Donuts store, where the general manager refused to serve any customers that are gay or appear to be gay looking. Her defense for her action was that she wanted to reassure the parents of the children that came by were being protected and taken care of (LGBT rights in Lebanon 2011). If a scenario similar to this had happen in the United States, the general mange...

... middle of paper ...

...establishes a balance of power among the major religious groups in the country (Human Rights in Lebanon 2011). More than half the population in Lebanon consider themselves as Muslims, while only 39% are Christians (Lebanon 2011). In this case, Muslims would be placed higher in authority and power compared to Christians. Generally the government respects all aspects of religions, but when it comes to politics, usually the superior religion will win the office (Human Rights in Lebanon 2011).

Many of Lebanon’s human rights in their country are considered unreasonable and unfamiliar to American citizens who take their constitutional rights for granted. Regardless of the United States’ fortunate human rights act, Lebanon is a country of its own; it’s not America. Whenever they are ready, Lebanon will make new laws and changes that best suits its modernized country.