Iraq's parliament approved a law on Saturday criminalizing same-sex relationships with a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, citing the preservation of religious values. However, the move has sparked condemnation from rights advocates, who view it as another assault on the LGBT community in Iraq.
The legislation, known as the Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality, received support primarily from conservative Shi'ite Muslim parties, the largest coalition in Iraq's parliament. The law aims to combat what it describes as "moral depravity" and the global spread of homosexuality.
Under the new law, engaging in same-sex relations carries a prison sentence of at least 10 years and up to 15 years. Additionally, individuals promoting homosexuality or prostitution face a minimum of seven years in prison. The law also penalizes individuals who change their "biological gender" or present themselves in an effeminate manner with one to three years in prison.
Originally, the legislation included provisions for the death penalty for same-sex acts, but this was amended following opposition from the United States and European nations before its passage.
Before the enactment of this law, Iraq did not explicitly criminalize gay sex, although vaguely defined morality clauses in its penal code were used to target LGBT individuals. Members of the LGBT community in Iraq have faced persecution, including violence from armed groups and individuals.
Rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, have strongly criticized the new law, describing it as a significant setback for human rights in Iraq. However, Iraqi officials responsible for overseeing human rights issues were not immediately available for comment.
Over the past year, major Iraqi political parties have intensified their criticism of LGBT rights, with rainbow flags being burned in protests by conservative Shi'ite Muslim factions. While more than 60 countries criminalize gay sex, same-sex sexual acts are legal in over 130 countries worldwide, according to data from Our World in Data.
