The State Department has expressed concern over a new law in Iraq that criminalizes same-sex relationships, stating that it threatens human rights and freedoms in the country. The law imposes a maximum 15-year prison sentence for same-sex relationships, with harsh penalties for those who promote homosexuality or prostitution. The State Department warned that this law could inhibit free speech, expression, and the work of NGOs in Iraq, ultimately weakening the country’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment.
Iraq’s parliament passed the law in an effort to uphold religious values and protect Iraqi society from what it perceives as moral depravity and the influence of homosexuality. The law was supported by conservative Shi’ite Muslim parties, the largest coalition in Iraq’s parliament. While the initial bill included the death penalty for same-sex acts, it was amended before being passed after facing strong opposition from the United States and European nations. Prior to this law, Iraq did not explicitly criminalize gay sex, although loosely defined morality clauses in the penal code had been used against LGBT individuals.
Human rights advocates have condemned the new law, viewing it as a deliberate attack on the LGBT community in Iraq. The LGBT rights program deputy director at Human Rights Watch, Rasha Younes, described the law as a serious blow to fundamental human rights and an endorsement of Iraq’s ongoing violations against LGBT people. The law also criminalizes changing one’s biological gender or dressing in an effeminate manner, further restricting personal freedoms for LGBT individuals in Iraq.
The passing of this law reflects a growing trend of major Iraqi political parties criticizing LGBT rights, with rainbow flags being burned in protests by conservative Shi’ite Muslim factions. Despite the global movement towards decriminalizing gay sex, more than 60 countries still have laws against same-sex relationships, while over 130 nations have legalized same-sex sexual acts. Iraqi officials responsible for overseeing human rights issues were not immediately available for comment on the new law, highlighting the challenge faced by LGBT individuals in a country with limited protections and rights for this marginalized community. The new law signals a worsening situation for LGBT individuals in Iraq, who face discriminatory laws, violence, and persecution based on their sexual orientation.
