Lebanese are protesting in Beirut against the use of anal examinations on men suspected of homosexuality and “virginity tests" for women. Same sex relations in the Arab country are considered a crime and punishable by up to one year in jail.

­Lebanese demonstrators gathered outside the law courts in the capital holding banners that read "United to abolish the tests of shame".

Lebanon-based HELEM, considered the Arab world's first and leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights group, called for the rally under the slogan: "Stand up against the tests of shame, vaginal or anal."

One sign read: "The cost of forensic rape: 125,000 Lebanese lira" (about $85), pointing out that the men subjected to the anal probes were being charged for the procedure, AFP reports.

“This test is completely stupid, but mostly it is a rape, and it has psychological consequences for the victims,” LGBT activist, who took part in the protest, told RT.