Iraq Enacts Law Criminalizing Same-Sex Relationships, Drawing West’s Criticism

Initially, the bill included the death penalty for same-sex acts but was revised following strong opposition from the US and European countries

Human rights groups and diplomats are strongly condemning a newly enacted law in Iraq that criminalizes same-sex relationships, imposing a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. This legislation is being decried as the latest blow to the LGBTQ community in the country.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller issued a statement expressing grave concern, asserting that the law passed on Saturday “threatens those most vulnerable in Iraqi society” and has the potential to suppress free speech and expression. Miller also cautioned that such legislation could deter foreign investment, citing apprehensions raised by international business coalitions.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron echoed these sentiments, labeling the law “dangerous and worrying.”

Despite homosexuality being largely taboo in conservative Iraqi society, and periodic anti-LGBTQ campaigns by political leaders, Iraq previously lacked explicit legislation criminalizing same-sex relationships.

The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality imposes a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 15 years in prison for same-sex relations. Additionally, it mandates at least seven years in prison for those who promote homosexuality or prostitution.

An amendment to the law criminalizes “biological sex change based on personal desire and inclination,” penalizing transgender individuals and doctors who perform gender-affirming surgery with up to three years in prison.

Initially, the bill included the death penalty for same-sex acts but was revised following strong opposition from the US and European countries.

Rasha Younes, deputy director of the LGBTQ rights program at Human Rights Watch, described the Iraqi parliament’s passage of the law as endorsing Iraq’s concerning record of rights violations against LGBTQ individuals.

Amnesty International’s Iraq Researcher Razaw Salihy denounced the amendments as a violation of fundamental human rights, putting already vulnerable Iraqis at further risk.

Lawmaker Raed al-Maliki, who spearheaded the amendments, defended the law as a preventative measure to safeguard society from such acts. Over 60 countries criminalize gay sex, while same-sex sexual acts are legal in more than 130 countries, according to Our World In Data.