Campaigning against Article 522

Civil society organisations fought to change Article 522 that allows a rapist to marry his victim(s) to evade prosecution. Among these initiatives is the “A white dress doesn’t cover the rape” campaign launched by Abaad (Dimensions) Resource Centre for Gender Equality. The campaign used repulsive billboards depicting women dressed in “bloodied and torn white bridal gowns.” The billboards were shown in Beirut as well as other Lebanese cities. Additionally, bloodied gowns were hung along the Corniche of Beirut. The campaign garnered the attention of local and international media, and was deemed successful by civil society actors in Lebanon.

After a fierce mobilisation against the clause, Article 522 was abrogated on 16 August 2017.