The Iraqi parliament has passed a new legislation that criminalizes same-sex relationships and imposes jail terms ranging from 10 to 15 years, citing its aim to combat what officials term “sexual deviancy.” Additionally, transgender individuals could face imprisonment for one to three years under this newly approved law.
Supporters of the bill argue that it aligns with religious values in Iraq, while critics denounce it as another blow to the rights of the LGBT community in the country.
The legislation not only targets same-sex relationships but also prohibits the promotion of homosexuality or prostitution, gender reassignment surgeries, men displaying behaviors considered too feminine, and participants in activities like “wife swapping.”
The initial draft of the bill had included provisions for capital punishment for same-sex relationships, but it was revised due to opposition from the US and other Western nations. Lawmaker Amir al-Maamouri hailed the law as a significant step in combating what he termed as “sexual deviancy” that goes against Islamic and societal values.
The bill’s approval was delayed until after Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani’s recent visit to the US to prevent any potential impact on diplomatic relations. Lawmaker Raed al-Malik emphasized that the matter is internal and should not be interfered with by external parties, stating, “We didn’t want to impact the visit.”
Iraq has a troubling history of targeting LGBT individuals, with previous laws used to punish them. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of abduction, torture, rape, and murder directed at LGBT people in the country.
