In recent days, the gay community in Lebanon has raised concern over the sudden ban of dating app Grindr in the country.
SMEX, an advocate for internet freedom in Lebanon, contacted internet service providers in the country, who informed them that this came in response to an order from the Ministry of Telecom. However, in a statement to The Daily Star, a spokesperson for the ministry denied the claim.
"The ministry does not ban any site unless it has a request from the judiciary or security services," Nabil Yamout, an adviser to Telecommunications Minister Jamal Jarrah told The Daily Star. In a separate statement to the Lebanese daily, a spokesperson for the Internal Security Forces (ISF) also denied knowledge of the ban.
Grindr has not yet issued a statement.
On Thursday, users of the app began encountering problems when logging into their accounts via their mobile data networks, which are provided by state-owned telecom companies. However, users who logged into the app using Wi-Fi (via private internet providers) did not face any issues.
"Sudden inability to access the app using 3G or 4G service"
"The Minister of Telecom does NOT have the authority to block websites without court order"
"Nobody is taking the responsibility for the censorship decision"
"How is everyone silent?"
"This is specifically against the queer community and sexual freedoms in Lebanon"
LGBTQI+ rights in Lebanon
Although Beirut may often be more open to the LGBTQI+ community than other Arab cities, discrimination and harassment are still common. Even when it comes to simple activities such as getting a hair cut, queer individuals often face difficulties.
Under the controversial Article 534, which says sexual acts that "contradict the laws of nature" can be punished by up to one year in prison, LGBTQI+ individuals are sometimes prosecuted in Lebanon.
However, court rulings in recent years have challenged the use of the law. In 2017, Lebanon hosted an LGBTQI+ Pride week, an event the organizers called a "first." The week-long gathering positioned itself as a "collaborative platform that takes a stance against hate and discrimination."
In 2018, nearly 100 candidates running for elections openly called for the decriminalization of homosexuality. That same year, however, a Lebanese delegation headed by Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri voted against an international bill that seeks equality for the LGBTQI+ community. The proposed bill titled "the role of Parliaments in ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and ensuring respect for the human rights of LGBT persons" saw 636 votes against, 499 in favor, and 130 abstentions.