NEW DELHI: Human rights groups and diplomats have condemned a law that was recently passed by the Iraqi parliament over the weekend on Saturday, which imposes severe prison sentences on individuals who are gay or transgender.
In a statement, US State department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society” and “can be used to hamper free-speech and expression.” He cautioned that such legislation might drive away foreign investment.
On the other hand, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron labeled the law “dangerous and worrying.”
Although homosexuality remains a taboo subject in Iraq‘s predominantly conservative society, there was previously no explicit law criminalising it. The recently passed legislation, quietly added as an amendment to Iraq’s existing anti-prostitution law and mandates severe penalties.
According to the law, same-sex relations carry sentences of 10 to 15 years, while individuals undergoing or performing gender-transition surgeries and “intentional practice of effeminacy” will face one to three years in prison.
The law also bans any organisation promoting “sexual deviancy,” punishable by at least seven years in prison and a fine of 10 million dinars. An earlier draft of the anti-prostitution law, which did not pass, had included the death penalty for same-sex relations
Acting Iraqi parliamentary speaker Mohsen Al-Mandalawi defended the law saying that the vote was “a necessary step to protect the value structure of society” and to “protect our children from calls for moral depravity and homosexuality.”
(With inputs from agencies)
In a statement, US State department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society” and “can be used to hamper free-speech and expression.” He cautioned that such legislation might drive away foreign investment.
On the other hand, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron labeled the law “dangerous and worrying.”
Although homosexuality remains a taboo subject in Iraq‘s predominantly conservative society, there was previously no explicit law criminalising it. The recently passed legislation, quietly added as an amendment to Iraq’s existing anti-prostitution law and mandates severe penalties.
According to the law, same-sex relations carry sentences of 10 to 15 years, while individuals undergoing or performing gender-transition surgeries and “intentional practice of effeminacy” will face one to three years in prison.
The law also bans any organisation promoting “sexual deviancy,” punishable by at least seven years in prison and a fine of 10 million dinars. An earlier draft of the anti-prostitution law, which did not pass, had included the death penalty for same-sex relations
Acting Iraqi parliamentary speaker Mohsen Al-Mandalawi defended the law saying that the vote was “a necessary step to protect the value structure of society” and to “protect our children from calls for moral depravity and homosexuality.”
(With inputs from agencies)
David Turner is a globe-trotting journalist who brings a global perspective to our readers. With a commitment to shedding light on international events, he explores complex geopolitical issues, offering a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
