On Saturday, the Iraqi parliament enacted a law that makes same-sex partnerships illegal and imposes a potential 15-year prison penalty. Rights campaigners have denounced this law as the latest assault on the LGBT population in Iraq.
In Short
- Iraqi parliament passes law making same-sex relationships illegal.
- Human rights groups condemn the move.
- Law imposes harsh penalties on lgbt individuals.
- The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality stipulates that anyone who encourages homosexuality or prostitution faces a minimum of seven years in prison and a maximum of fifteen years in prison for same-sex relationships.
TFD – Delve into the ramifications of Iraq’s recent anti-LGBT law and its implications for human rights and global equality.
Iraq’s parliament enacted a law on Saturday making same-sex relationships illegal. According to the State Department, this measure threatens human rights and freedoms and would make it more difficult for Iraq to diversify its economy and draw in international investment.
“The most vulnerable members of Iraqi society are put in danger by this amendment. It can be used to stifle free speech and expression and prevent non-governmental organizations from operating in Iraq, according to a statement issued by the State Department on Saturday.
The Iraqi parliament enacted a measure on Saturday that makes same-sex partnerships illegal and carries a potential 15-year prison penalty. The law was reported to be aimed at upholding religious values. However, rights activists denounced it as the most recent assault on the LGBT population in Iraq.
A draft of the bill reviewed by Reuters states that its goal is to “protect Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world”.
It was backed mainly by conservative Shi’ite Muslim parties who form the largest coalition in mainly Muslim Iraq’s parliament.
The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality stipulates that anyone who promotes homosexuality or prostitution faces a minimum of seven years in prison and a maximum of fifteen years in prison for same-sex relationships.
Additionally, it prescribes a sentence of one to three years in prison for anyone who knowingly dresses in an effeminate manner or changes their “biological gender.”
Before being passed, the bill was changed to remove the death sentence for same-sex conduct, which was strongly opposed by the US and several European countries.
Though ambiguously worded morality clauses in its penal code had been used to attack LGBT persons, and members of the community had also been assassinated by armed organizations and individuals, Iraq did not officially prohibit homosexual sex until Saturday.
Rasha Younes, deputy head of Human Rights Watch’s LGBT rights program, told Reuters that the anti-LGBT measure passed by the Iraqi parliament “rubber-stamps Iraq’s appalling record of rights violations against LGBT people and is a serious blow to fundamental human rights.”
Human rights coordinators in Iraq could not be immediately reached for comment.
Major Iraqi parties have been more vocal in their rejection of LGBT rights in the past year. Both the ruling and opposition conservative Shi’ite Muslim factions have been known to burn rainbow flags during protests.
According to Our World in Data, homosexual activity is illegal in more than 60 nations, but same-sex relationships are permitted in more than 130.
Conclusion
Iraq’s anti-LGBT law underscores ongoing challenges to human rights and the struggle for LGBTQ+ equality worldwide.
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