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Secularist movement in Lebanon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Secularist Movement in Lebanon has emerged as a response to the country's confessionalist system, deeply rooted in a consociationalism framework where top offices are allocated based on religious affiliations. This movement, driven by a growing number of Lebanese citizens, advocates for a shift towards secularism within the national government.
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In April 2010, Laïque Pride, a secular group co-founded by feminist[1] Yalda Younes, called for "an end to the country's deep-rooted sectarian system" and for a "secular Lebanon".[2] Laïque Pride supports the enacting of a unified Civil Code for the Personal Status Law.[3][4]
Notably, the movement gained momentum in response to Hizb ut-Tahrir's influence and calls for an Islamic caliphate in Beirut. Laïque Pride organized a march in April 2010, drawing 70,000 participants to Martyrs' Square, Beirut marking a significant stand against sectarianism.
Throughout subsequent years, Laïque Pride continued its advocacy efforts. In 2011, hundreds of protesters rallied in Beirut on 27 February in a Laïque Pride march, calling for reform of the country's confessional political system. At the same time, a peaceful sit-in took place in Saida.[5] At a march in May 2012 in which 600 participated, Laïque Pride issued six demands, four concerning women's rights and two concerning media freedom.[3][6] Secular student clubs from Saint Joseph University (USJ), the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (ALBA), as the American University of Beirut (AUB) also participated in the march.[7]