Iraq Passes Law Criminalizing Same-Sex Relationships with Up to 15 Years in Prison

The Iraqi parliament has passed a law that criminalizes same-sex relationships, with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The law, titled the "Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality," also bans gender change and effeminate dress, with penalties of up to 3 years in prison.

The legislation was backed mainly by conservative Shi'ite Muslim parties and aims to "protect Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality." It imposes a prison sentence of at least 10 years, up to a maximum of 15, for anyone convicted of participating in a same-sex relationship. The law also imposes between one and three years in prison for anyone who changes their "biological gender" or dresses in an effeminate manner.

Until now, Iraq was among the few Islamic nations that did not explicitly criminalize gay sex, but the new law represents a significant crackdown on the LGBTQ community in the country. The law is part of a broader trend of anti-LGBT rhetoric and discrimination in Iraq, where members of the LGBTQ+ community have faced frequent violence and attacks with impunity.

Why this matters: The passage of this law is a serious blow to fundamental human rights in Iraq, including freedom of expression, privacy, equality, and non-discrimination. It threatens the safety and well-being of LGBTQ individuals in the country and could further marginalize an already vulnerable community.

The law has been condemned by human rights groups and the international community as an "attack on human rights." The United States and European Union have opposed the law, with the U.S. State Department saying it "threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society" and can "hamper free speech and expression." However, the Iraqi government has stated that it is an "internal matter" and will not accept interference.

The initial version of the bill included the death penalty for same-sex acts, but that language was removed following strong denouncements from the United States and European nations. "The law aims to protect Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world," said one Iraqi lawmaker who supported the legislation.

Key Takeaways

• Iraq passes law criminalizing same-sex relationships, with up to 15 years in prison.
• Law also bans gender change and effeminate dress, with penalties of up to 3 years.
• Law represents a significant crackdown on the LGBTQ community in Iraq.
• Law condemned by human rights groups and the international community as an "attack on human rights".
• Initial version included death penalty, but was removed after international backlash.