ALBAWABA - An advertisement on MTV Lebanon television has sparked controversy over its message to halt the law that criminalizes LGBTQ+.
In the ad, two males appear to stand in an elevator before a third one who is wearing a green jacket joins them. The third guy then puts his hand inside his jacket and pulls a gun.
Then a few moments later he gets out of the elevator before the slogan "There's crime and there's love" appears when the two men in the back hold each other's hands.
The Lebanese Television channel, which is owned by Michel Gabriel El Murr, a Lebanese politician and businessman, posted the video on social media with a caption supporting the end of the law criminalizing LGBTQ+ in the country.
It posted: "Based on the words of Pope Francis... 'Homosexuality is not a crime.' Yes to the abolition of Article 534 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes homosexuality."
Many comments backlashing the MTV Lebanon ad were seen under the video saying that Lebanon should never abolish the law that criminalizes LGBTQ+. A person said: "Our kids will watch the ad and be convinced that if a man holds another man's hand is love!"
Another used some verses from the Holy Bible to defend that LGBTQ+ is not accepted in Christianity and that it should not be normalized in Lebanon.
On the other hand, some activists showed support for the advertisement by calling and raising their voices against the law against LGBTQ+ members.
In another point of view, a group of netizens said that the MTV Lebanon ad comes after the latest attack by the far-right group called "Soldiers of God" on a restaurant allegedly hosting a gathering for LGBTQ+ members in Lebanon.
