Beirut Pride is a militant gathering that celebrates diversity and equality, in contribution to bettering the realities of LGBTIQ+ persons in Lebanon. Participants in Beirut Pride embrace and respect this.
Beirut Pride is open to every person, and identifying as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and questioning person is not a prerequisite. Pride is inclusive of anyone who considers themselves an ally to said groups and who supports equality for all. Participants in Beirut Pride acknowledge that their participation is important for the people represented in order to highlight realities that are as challenging as going to jail for being oneself. Families are welcome to take part in the events and age restrictions apply to events held in clubs.
In an attempt to secure an environment in which the participants in Beirut Pride are treated with courtesy, respect and in good faith;
In attempt to behave in a manner that is respectful and courteous and that does not yield actions that might be harmful to the participants and to others;
In an attempt to distance Beirut Pride from provocation, misattributed perjury or from fake events; and
In an attempt to keep the conversation focused on the LGBTIQ+ realities in Lebanon and not to have it hijacked with sensational discourses that would steer it away from its goal,
The following tips reverberate on current news, the Lebanese criminal code (Applicable to all the residents of Lebanon, independently of their nationality, apatride status, or duration of stay) and event safety procedures in the tradition of rules and regulations communicated by Prides around the world. They offer a panoply of suggestions to observe for the best of our advancement toward decriminalization of sexual intercourse between consenting adults in non-public spaces:
1. Responsibility. As the website of Beirut Pride is the main source of information regarding the scheduled activities, this code of conduct is prominently highlighted on the website of Beirut Pride and on the page of every event. It is available in Arabic, English and French. In case of confusion between the three languages, the Arabic version precedes the other ones. Every participant in the events of Beirut Pride is considered informed of these guidelines. Participation in Beirut Pride implies the approval of these regulations and dissociates Beirut Pride, the venue and the organizing party from any personal violation of these guidelines.
2. Identification. Always carry an identification document with you (ID, passport, International organization ID).
3. Misbehaviour. Abusive, threatening, violent, offensive, rude, discourteous, or raucous behavior is not tolerated against the participants of Beirut Pride or against the public at-large. Vandalism, physical violence, threat of physical violence, or any behavior that endangers the safety of an individual or of a group is prohibited.
4. Hate Speech. The use of inappropriate, violent, discriminatory language is not be tolerated. Derogatory remarks about a person's sexuality, gender, gender identity, race, age, nationality, disability, appearance, religion, serological status or any other factor are not tolerated.
5. Photos & Videos. Do not photograph or film without the permission of those who appear in the photo or in the video, even for personal use. Delete the media and remove it from the “Recently Deleted Folder” on your cellphone or in you camera. Always apologize and de-escalate any situation. Not all participants afford the same level of visibility and the wish to remain anonymous must be honored. This rule also applies to social media stories. Keep in mind that all that goes online remains online, even if deleted. Media inquiries must be addressed to the organizers through the website www.beirutpride.org.
6. Alcohol. Drink responsibly, and do not overindulge. Don’t drink and drive; always use a sober designated driver or call a taxi. Possession of open containers (bottles) or consumption of alcoholic beverage is prohibited in the streets. Bartenders have the right to refuse alcohol sale if the client is drunk. No alcohol will be sold to minors. All bartenders are 21 years old and more. No outside beverage is allowed into the venue. Don’t accept drinks from strangers and keep your drinks close to you. Drink a lot of water. (Articles 622; 625; 626 & 629 of the Lebanese Criminal Code)
7. Drugs & Illegal Substance. No event is drug-friendly. Refrain from possessing, promoting, selling, sharing and consuming drugs or any illegal substance in the frame of the activities of Beirut Pride or before attending a Beirut Pride activity. Any person deemed aggressive, incapacitated or unable to fulfill the role they intended to do due to intoxication, will be asked to leave the event.
8. Prohibited Products. Possession or use of weapons, knives, impact or electric pulse weapons, stunning devices, hazardous or toxic materials, firearms, fireworks, explosives, glass bottles, drones, radios, walkie-talkies, jammers, scanners and any other item deemed inappropriate or hazardous by security is prohibited.
9. Financial Solicitation. Financial solicitation, borrowing money and pressuring someone on the grounds of financial matters is prohibited.
10. “Good Morals”. According to the Lebanese laws, it is prohibited to promote and exhibit a behavior or a communication that “incites to debauchery”. Communication outlets refer to actions, public actions, speech, writings, drawings, illustrations, photos, films, banners, looks and screams when they are held, carried, exhibited, distributed or sold and when they take place in a space accessible to by-standers and to people who have no particular link with the event. (Articles 209; 531; 532 & 533 of the Lebanese Criminal Code)
11. Religious Behavior. According to the Lebanese laws, blasphemy, religious vandalism, attribution and defamation of religious signs, symbols and practices, and interfering with religious offices are prohibited. (Articles 473; 474 & 475 of the Lebanese Criminal Code)
12. Wear. According to the Lebanese laws, it is prohibited to misattribute and unlawfully wear official garments or religious attire or symbols. It is also prohibited to display a look that might disrupt or trouble the public wellbeing. Do not cover your face. Be dressed, and avoid being topless. Beirut Pride is a celebration of everybody and every body. Refrain from any fashion that expresses or intends harm or oppression to another individual or group. Nudity and flashing are not authorized. (Articles 391; 346 & 347 of the Lebanese Criminal Code)
13. Sexual Solicitation. Sexual solicitation, sexual harassment, inappropriate touching, flashing and taking part in sexual acts are prohibited in the frame of the activities of Beirut Pride. According to the Lebanese laws, public display of affection is prohibited such as embracing. (Articles 103; 104; 105; 524 & 526 of the Lebanese Criminal Code)
14. Marching. Beirut Pride has submitted a request for a march permit. As per the Lebanese regulations, no march will be promoted, and no call for a march will be made if the permit is not delivered by the Governorate of Beirut. Upon permit delivery, Beirut Pride will call for a meeting prior to the march to share march guidelines and practical information. March guidelines and practical information will be shared in Arabic, English and French on the website of Beirut Pride and on its social media outlets. The march participants are invited to observe these guidelines. Public and personal vandalism are prohibited. Avoid police interaction, remain polite, non-violent and always deescalate. Don’t become aggressive and watch your tone of voice. (Articles 345; 346; 347 & 348 of the Lebanese Criminal Code)
15. Belongings. Maintain possession of your ID, cell phone, wallet and other necessary items only. Refrain from carrying large bags. Bags might be subjected to search and there are no lockers for storage. Don’t leave your personal property unattended. Don’t leave your valuables inside a car. Theft is prohibited, lost objects are your sole responsibility and not that of Beirut Pride or that of the venue where objects were lost. Security personnel might ask participants for additional searches of their person and possessions.
16. Smoking. All the events of Beirut Pride are smoke-free, and smoking is only allowed in the designated outdoor areas. According to law 174/2012, smoking is prohibited in indoor spaces, and transgressors are personally responsible for their contravention with no shared responsibility with Beirut Pride or with the venue.
17. Cleanliness. Don’t litter, don’t throw cigarette buds, flyers and other products on the floor or on the street. Please use the clearly marked receptacles to dispose of your waste for recycling.
18. Medical First Aid. The Red Cross secures first aid assistance at all the events of Beirut Pride. Do not assume what to do in case of a medical emergency, and always reach out to the Red Cross.
19. Wellbeing.
Be good to one another, look out for one another, speak up for one another, and report any suspicious persons or activity to event staff.
There is safety in numbers. Stay with a group when on the street or leaving a venue. If you feel “unsure” about someone, do not go with that person.
Food and beverage are available in all venues.
We encourage carpooling with people you know.
Accessibility seating for people with reduced mobility is available in most venues. Check the website page of the activity you plan on attending for more details.
20. Interaction With Transgender People.
Pronouns. Don’t assume anyone’s pronouns. Ask people how they wish to be referred to. Always correct someone who misgenders another. Quickly. Quietly. Calmly.
Advocate for trans* people, especially when interacting with law enforcement officers.
In case of danger, always stick around. Silently. Be prepared to intervene. Only intervene when asked. Only take an initiative when things are getting dangerous.
Stay polite, non-violent and always deescalate. Don’t become aggressive and watch your tone of voice.
21. Police Interaction. Avoid interaction, remain polite, non-violent and always deescalate. Don’t become aggressive and watch your tone of voice.
22. In Case of Arrest. If a person is being arrested:
Ask for the lawyer on-site;
Ask the officer for the reason of the arrest;
Ask for the arrest warrant;
Ask for the officer’s security ID;
Ask for the rights of the arrested person;
Record the incident: film the police interaction;
Stay with the person who’s being arrested for as long as you can;
Ask where they will be taken to;
Never ever insult the officer. Never display verbal or physical violence;
Never touch the officer;
Keep your hands visible at all times;
Never aggravate a situation. Remain polite, non-violent and always deescalate. Don’t become aggressive and watch your tone of voice.
23. The Rights of the Detained Suspect (during police interrogation)
You have the right to call your lawyer or your family or your friends or someone you trust;
You have the right to meet a lawyer that you can appoint through a memo that the officer registers in the police record without the need of a regular procuration;
You have the right to use the services of a translator if you are not proficient in Arabic;
The police must inform you (the detainee) of the above-mentioned rights and register it in the police record;
You cannot be detained for more than 4 days. If punished with jail, every day beyond the fourth day in detention will be deducted from your prison time;
You have the right to ask for a medical doctor for check-ups. The detainee, the lawyer or any family member has the right to ask for a medical check up after 4 days in detention. The police officer has no right to attend the medical check up;
Your lawyer has the right to attend interrogation with you.
24. The Rights of the Defendant, the Accused (during interrogation)
The examining magistrate has no right to force or to pressure the defendant to speak;
Is the defendant refused to seek the services of a lawyer, the examining magistrate has no obligation to appoint a lawyer for them;
The examining magistrate has no right to pursue the interrogation if the defendant asked for a lawyer to defend them or to attend the interrogation;
If the defendant was unable to ask for a lawyer, the examining magistrate has the obligation to appoint a lawyer for them;
During the interrogation phase, the defendant has the right to contact their lawyer and to have secret, confidential talks;
The examining magistrate has the right, via a justified decision, to interrogate the defendant in case of a trace or of a disappearing proof;
If the defendant is unable to speak, the examining magistrate must appoint someone who can communicate with them.
Safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, including participants, organizers, security staff and law enforcement. We are all responsible of each other’s behavior. If you see or are notified of any incident that would break this code of conduct, please notify a staff member immediately.
Enjoy yourself and avoid excess.
(Article 183 of the Lebanese Criminal Code)
Click here to access the original text of the Lebanese Criminal Code articles mentioned above.
This document was developed in Arabic, English and in French,
In case of confusion between the three languages, the Arabic text precedes the other versions and remains the first reference.