Homosexuality is taboo in Iraq, but until now there has been no law against it. An amendment has now been passed that criminalizes same-sex relationships. Up to 15 years in prison are possible.
The Iraqi parliament has passed a law on homosexual relationships that provides for prison sentences of up to 15 years. MPs voted to tighten the 1988 anti-prostitution law. An earlier bill even proposed the death penalty. According to the new regulations, transgender people can be punished with up to three years in prison.
Homosexuality is taboo in Iraq, but until now there was no law that explicitly criminalized same-sex relationships. However, gay and transgender people in Iraq often face attacks and discrimination.
“Human rights violations legally legitimized”
The Federal Government’s human rights commissioner, Luise Amtberg (Greens), condemned the tightening of the law decided by the Iraqi parliament. “If the law comes into force, serious human rights violations would be legitimized by law,” said Amtberg. “The penalties provided for in the law endanger the already most vulnerable groups within Iraqi society.”
The US State Department said the tightening posed a threat to human rights. It would also weaken Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment, the ministry warned.