Lebanon to break up LGBTQ+ gatherings after pressure from religious groups

Lebanon's interior minister has ordered the country's security forces to break up gatherings held by the country's LGBTQ+ community after facing pressure from religious groups.

Bassam Mawlawi told Lebanon's Internal Security Forces to "immediately take the necessary measures to prevent any type of celebration, meeting or gatherings" by the community.

"This phenomenon is contrary to the habits and customs of our society" and religious principles, Mawlawi said, adding that "personal freedoms cannot be invoked".

Mawlawi's orders come after alleged "calls on social media to organise parties and events promoting homosexuality in Lebanon, and following communications from religious figures rejecting the spread of this phenomenon".

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