Laique-Pride-Lebanon

Thousands of Lebanese citizens have marched for secularism in their deeply divided country.

More than 3,000 people took part in a Laique Pride, or Secular Pride, march organized by civil rights groups.

The Beirut rally blocked the main road leading to the parliament building as demonstrators waved Lebanese flags and chanted, but it was kept about 100 yards away from the compound by Lebanese troops.

Some activists distributed red roses, while others raised banners that read:

"Civil marriage, not civil war" and "Fatima and Tony love each other... that's a problem," a reference to the fact that civil marriage is not an option in Lebanon.

Gay rights activists also made a strong show in the rally, waving gay pride flags and banners that read: "Queers for secularism."

Lebanon is home to 18 religious sects and is deeply divided along sectarian lines. It experienced a ruinous 15-year civil war between Muslims and Christians that ended 20 years ago.

Since Lebanon gained independence in 1943, the president has always been a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and parliament speaker a Shi'ite Muslim.

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Tags: civil, laique, lebanese, marriage, secularism
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