That’s the way I 'laïque' it

Around 5,000 people marched for secularism on Sunday in Lebanon’s first ever event of this sort, an event with no political slogans and no political parties’ flags. The marchers were just individuals and activists from neutral political movements.

This unprecedented news wasn’t properly covered – if covered at all by Lebanese local news. This was not surprising considering that all Lebanese channels are owned by sectarian political leaders.



The march calling for secularism in Lebanon took place from Ain El Mraisseh to the Parliament at 11am on Sunday, 25 April 2010.


“Everyone I know is here, and wherever I went these last two days, people were only talking about the LebLaïque Pride; that’s why I was expecting more people to come!” said one participant in the march.


Posters for the LebLaïque Pride were mostly hung in Hamra Street and it was mostly advertised on Facebook. As a result, only a limited number of people knew about the event: those living in Hamra, or the “Hamraiottes,” according to Raafat Hamze, meaning people who spend most of their time in Hamra, young people aged between 20 and 30...



But other people were positively surprised by the number of participants.


The participants called for civil marriage, civil laws, and Lebanese nationality for the children of Lebanese women married to foreigners. Many gay pride or rainbow flags were waved, in addition to banners supporting women rights. “What is your religion? None of your business!” was the most shouted slogan, along with “We are fed up with sectarianism!”, “Secularism is the solution!” and “We demand nationality for women!”

The march was a joyful one. Everyone could see people’s smiles on the day and in the many pictures uploaded on Facebook the same day.


But, we must not forget that many people in Lebanon don’t care about secularism or even believe in it. Lebanon is a country where not only do the laws implement sectarianism but also where sectarianism is implanted in people's minds and beliefs. Religions in Lebanon are sects; they are a way of life, of behavior and identity. Was this march able to change this fact? Was it able to mould people’s identities in order to create a new and secular one?


This march was only a statement that some people in Lebanon believe in secularism, even if they are not represented in the Parliament.


Did this march to Parliament prepare the road for secular representation in the next elections? Or are our hopes too high?