Iraq passes new ‘morality’ law criminalising LGBTQ+ relationships and making it illegal to be trans
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Iraq has recently passed a controversial new law that criminalizes LGBTQ+ relationships and makes it illegal to be transgender. The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality, which was approved on April 27, imposes harsh penalties on individuals who engage in same-sex relationships or identify as transgender. Those found guilty could face up to 15 years in prison, marking a significant shift in Iraq’s treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.
The law not only targets same-sex relationships but also criminalizes the mere existence of transgender individuals. It prohibits individuals from changing their “biological gender” or dressing in an effeminate manner. This sweeping legislation is a clear violation of human rights and has sparked outrage both within Iraq and internationally.
Iraq was previously one of the few Islamic nations that did not explicitly criminalize gay sex. However, morality clauses in the penal code have been used to target LGBTQ+ individuals in the past. The passage of this new law signals a dangerous escalation in the government’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.
The legislation aims to “protect Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world.” This rhetoric reflects a deeply ingrained prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals and perpetuates harmful stereotypes and discrimination. The law also extends to LGBTQ+ allyship, with individuals who promote homosexuality facing potential imprisonment.
In addition to criminalizing LGBTQ+ relationships, the law imposes penalties on transgender individuals. Anyone who changes their biological gender or dresses in an effeminate manner could face between one to three years in prison. These provisions further marginalize an already vulnerable community and restrict individuals’ freedom to express their gender identity.
The passage of this anti-LGBTQ+ law has been met with widespread condemnation, including from the United States. The US State Department issued a statement expressing concern over the impact of the legislation on free speech and human rights in Iraq. The law threatens the most vulnerable members of Iraqi society and could hinder the work of NGOs advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
This legislation comes in the wake of escalating violence against the LGBTQ+ community in Iraq. In February, a transgender blogger known as “Simsim” was brutally murdered in the Al-Qadisiyah governorate. The 28-year-old victim was stabbed multiple times by unknown assailants, highlighting the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Iraq.
Human rights organizations have denounced the new law as a grave violation of fundamental human rights. Rasha Younes, deputy director of the LGBT rights program at Human Rights Watch, described it as a “serious blow to fundamental human rights” and criticized Iraq’s record of rights violations against LGBTQ+ people.
The international community must continue to speak out against this discriminatory legislation and stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals in Iraq. The passage of this law represents a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights in the country and underscores the urgent need for greater protection and support for marginalized communities.
In conclusion, Iraq’s new anti-LGBTQ+ law is a troubling development that threatens the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. The international community must pressure the Iraqi government to repeal this discriminatory legislation and uphold the principles of equality and human rights for all.
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