To raise awareness on the dangers of celebratory gunfire in Lebanon, local NGO Permanent Peace Movement, staged a pretty unique stunt at a wedding exhibition.
To spread its anti-gun message, the NGO told couples attending Wedding Folies 2017, that a new gun service company called "Eleguns" could offer them celebratory "gun shows" at their weddings.
After explaining the fake service to couples, campaign representatives then revealed the entire thing was a stunt, sharing information on the issue and asking couples to sign pledges vowing to keep their weddings safe and gun-free.
In a statement to StepFeed, Fadi Abi Allam, President and Executive Director of Permanent Peace Movement, said:
“Our campaign was controversial in nature in an attempt to get people talking about the dangers of celebratory gunfire and ultimately, to change behavior. It’s time that we let go of age-old traditions that hinder us from moving forward as a society.”
Abi Allam also stressed on the importance of raising awareness on the environmental, physical, and financial repercussions of celebratory gunfire.
The NGO's stunt shocked couples at the event
Many reacted to it on social media
Some believed the stunt at first
Then realized it was all for an awareness campaign
Which actually proved the point behind the campaign
People are now hailing the initiative
Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Al Hariri also took note of it
"Sign the pledge vowing not to allow gun fire at weddings"
"Don't let us become a reckless generation who celebrates happiness by firing gun shots! Sign this pledge so that your happiness doesn't turn into someone else's sorrow."
Celebratory gun fire is illegal in Lebanon
While many people seem unaware of the fact, celebratory gunfire is illegal across Lebanon.
The reckless action carries a sentence of six months to three years; in cases where death occurs, a sentence of 10 years minimum.
Even though the anti celebratory gunfire law does exist in the country, the legislation hasn't been fully enforced in many cities and some shooters still get away with firing shots at weddings and other events.
This is why it's important to continuously raise awareness on the matter and ensure people understand its dangers.