The largest coalition in Iraq’s parliament, made up mainly of conservative Shia Muslim parties, recently passed a law criminalizing same-sex relationships with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The law, aimed at upholding religious values, was widely condemned by advocates for LGBTQ rights in Iraq.
The legislation, known as the Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality, aims to protect Iraqi society from what it describes as moral depravity associated with homosexuality. The law also penalizes individuals who promote homosexuality or prostitution with a minimum of seven years in prison.
While the bill initially included the death penalty for same-sex acts, it was amended before being passed following opposition from the United States and European nations. The law also criminalizes gender-affirming surgery and punishes transgender individuals and doctors who perform such procedures with up to three years in prison.
This move has been strongly criticized by human rights organizations, citing it as a serious violation of fundamental human rights. The LGBTQ community in Iraq has faced discrimination, violence, and impunity for years, with members targeted under loosely defined morality clauses in the penal code or by armed groups.
Despite condemnation from international groups, the parliamentarian who pushed for the amendments defended the law as a measure to protect society. The passage of this law reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny and discrimination against LGBTQ rights by major political parties in Iraq.
Approximately 60 countries criminalize gay sex, while more than 130 countries allow same-sex relationships, according to data from Our World in Data.