Lebanon must lead the way in LGBT rights in the Middle EastThe Middle East has never welcomed gays. In fact, even if they are not frequent in practice, some countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Yemen and Egypt condemn the criminality of "unnatural" relationships with death or a heavy prison sentence (Kotecha, 2013, p.1). Even though some activists in Lebanon are emerging to defend these rights, Lebanon still belongs to the above list both legally and practically and this is what makes it far from being the gay paradise in the Middle East. As a first step towards being liberal, Lebanon should show real openness by introducing serious incentives towards the recognition of homosexual rights. Argument 1 The first step towards liberalism consists in respecting human rights. Although the Declaration of Human Rights does not explicitly express gay rights, its main goal is to protect the right of individuals to live free and free from physical harm regardless of their sex, origin, race or gender. Therefore, violence against any individual constitutes a lack of respect for human rights that cannot be justified by any religious or cultural affirmation. Unfortunately, physical abuse against LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people is still practiced in Lebanon, leaving victims with long-lasting physical and psychological damage. Kotecha (2013), in his article “Lebanon's gay-friendly reputation called into question by abuse,” stated that in 2012 police raided a cinema in Beirut and arrested more than 30 people believed to be homosexual. These individuals have been exposed to physical abuse in terms of anal inspection to reveal whether they have been exposed to unnatural sexual intercourse. The journalist continues in an interview with one t...... half of the newspaper ......ne-convenient-article_b_4221387.htmlKotecha, S. (2013, November 25). BBC News - Lebanon's gay-friendly reputation called into question by abuse. Retrieved May 20, 2014, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-25057067The LGBT struggle in Lebanon | SocialistWorker.org. (2011, February 2). Retrieved May 20, 2014, from http://socialistworker.org/2011/02/02/lgbt-struggle-in-lebanonLittauer, D. (2014, March 4). Lebanon: being gay is not a crime nor against nature | Dan Littauer. Retrieved May 20, 2014, from http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/dan-littauer/lebanon-gay-rights_b_4896786.htmlMahdawi, D. (2009, March 9). Local gay rights organization to receive award in US | News, News from Lebanon | THE DAILY STAR. Retrieved May 20, 2014, from http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2009/Mar-30/51945-local-gay-rights-organization-to-receive-award-in-us. ashx#axzz32EPnnSPU