Amending Article 562 from the Lebanese Penal Code

20 February 1999 – Article 562 of the Lebanese Penal Code stipulated an exemption from punishment in what is known as “honour crimes.” Honour crimes are committed by male figures, such as husbands, fathers, brothers against a female kin, such as a sister, mother, or wife who engages in an act of adultery or unlawful intercourse. Such crimes can also be committed against the male partner with whom said intercourse occurred. In both cases, the male perpetrators were exempted for committing these crimes. This Article was seen as a contradiction of Lebanon’s ratification of the International Declaration of Human Rights. The article was ultimately amended to allow for a reduced penalty.