Iraq’s parliament enacted a controversial bill amending a 1988 anti-prostitution law to impose penalties on same-sex relationships. The amendments adopted during a session attended by 170 out of 329 lawmakers, introduce severe penalties for same-sex relations and transgender identities.
Also Read: Burkina Faso Suspends BBC, VOA for Reporting on Army Killings
Same-sex relations are now punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Transgender individuals could face imprisonment ranging from one to three years. Doctors performing gender reassignment surgery may also be sentenced to three years in prison.
Initial drafts proposed even harsher punishments including capital punishment for same-sex relations. International pressure particularly from the US and EU led to revisions.
The amendments show a trend of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in society with politicians resorting to discriminatory rhetoric.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have criticized the amendments as a violation of fundamental human rights.
LGBTQ+ individuals in Iraq face frequent attacks, discrimination, and impunity for crimes committed against them. The amendments marginalize and endanger an already vulnerable community.
The US State Department has expressed deep concern over the new legislation warning of its impact on free speech, expression, and NGO activities.
The UK has also condemned the amendments addressing the importance of upholding human rights without distinction.
International business coalitions have warned that discriminatory practices could hinder economic growth and deter foreign investment.
LGBTQ+ individuals, such as Samar have expressed fear and desperation citing instances of violence and persecution.
The amended law imposes harsh penalties on individuals engaging in same-sex relations, with prison sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years.
Transgender individuals and doctors performing gender reassignment surgery now face up to three years in prison.
Also Read: Joe Biden Signs $95Bn Foreign Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan
The initial draft of the bill had proposed even more draconian measures including capital punishment for same-sex relationships.
The Country’s conservative society has long homosexuality, viewing it as taboo and contrary to religious and societal values.
While there was previously no explicit law criminalizing same-sex relations, LGBTQ+ individuals have faced discrimination, often targeted by authorities and subjected to violence with impunity.
The enactment of this law represents a setback for human rights in Iraq effectively institutionalizing discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have strongly condemned the legislation addressing its violation of fundamental human rights and the risk it poses to the lives of LGBTQ+ Iraqis.
The passage of this law has international outcry with the United States and the European Union expressing deep concern over its implications.
Both entities have addressed the threat it poses to human rights, freedom of expression, and Iraq’s economic prospects.
The US State Department warned that such discriminatory practices could hinder the ability to attract foreign investment and undermine its political and economic reform efforts.
Also Read: Argentina: Massive Protest Against Milei’s Education Cuts
