US Pastor Speaks Out On Lebanon's 'Homosexuality Tests': 'Do Not Seek Out the Sins of Others'
While dozens gather in Lebanon's capital to protest the government's use of "anal tests" on those suspected of being homosexual, a Florida pastor has come forward to argue that it is not Christian, nor healthy, to go seeking out the sin of others.
"To go around and search out people who may be considered offenders is not a Christian or a healthy thing to do," Florida Pastor Jack Hakimian of Impact Miami Church told The Christian Post.
"I think what we see in the scriptures is not a call to seek out sin, but to deal with it in a judicial process, and that process includes witnesses and evidence," the Southern Baptist pastor continued.
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"Paul refers to that principle in First Timothy, chapter one in which he says 'don't even entertain accusation brought against an elder and a pastor unless it's brought on by two or three witnesses'," the pastor added.
Additionally, Pastor Hakimian wrote an article regarding Lebanon's homosexuality tests on his Impact Miami Church's website, saying that he believes such exams are "unnecessary and contrary" in that they negate "due process" and God's grace to the sinner.
Hakimian recently attended a "GLBT Inclusion" forum in North Miami to "present a Christian perspective of tolerance [and] love," and to find better ways for Christian and homosexual communities to peacefully and lovingly exist in society.
Protesters gathered in Lebanon this past weekend to voice their opposition to the state's "anal tests," which consist of physical forensic tests on the anus which authorities use to determine whether the patient has been involved in homosexual acts.
Dozens of protesters gathered in front of court houses in the state's capital, Beirut, on Saturday to protest against the tests.
"We're here because we want a clear statement from the ministry of justice that these kinds of tests should be completely abolished and punished by the law," protest participant George Azzi told The Associated Foreign Press.
"The syndicate of doctors has declared these tests are irrelevant scientifically and it's illegal for doctors to do these tests, but that doesn't mean police can't still request it," Azzi added.
The rally is a result of a July incident when 36 men were rounded up from a gay venue in Beirut and tested by police authorities.
The Lebanese Doctor's Syndicate has recently declared the forensic anal tests to be a form of torture.
Those protesting the "anal tests" stand in solidarity with Lebanese women protesting the government's "virginity tests," which are performed on women to determine adultery or sexual intercourse before marriage.
Lebanon, a predominately Arab country, finds homosexuality to be a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in prison.
