The Iraqi Council of Representatives passed a law Saturday criminalizing same sex relationships and transgender individuals. The law has garnered widespread criticism from human rights groups and diplomats across the world.
The Anti-Prostitution and Homosexuality Law amends a previous law from 1988. It provides prison sentences and fines for most of its offenses. Anyone convicted of participating in a same sex relationship could face imprisonment for ten to fifteen years. The law also criminalizes transgender individuals, making it illegal to identify as anything other than your biological sex assigned at birth, which could result in one to three years imprisonment. Further, any medical professional who performs gender re-assignment surgery could face the same sentence. However, an exemption was marked out for anyone receiving or performing such surgery to correct a birth defect. Finally, a minimum of seven years imprisonment is outlined for anyone who promotes homosexuality or prostitution.
The new law has been heavily criticized by diplomats, including UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who described the law as “dangerous and worrying.” He went on to “encourage the Government of Iraq to uphold human rights and freedoms of all people without distinction.”
The US also condemned the law in a press statement by Matthew Miller, spokesperson of the US State Department:
This amendment threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society. It can be used to hamper free-speech and expression and inhibit the operations of NGOs across Iraq. The legislation also weakens Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment. International business coalitions have already indicated that such discrimination in Iraq will harm business and economic growth in the country.
The law has been justified by those who passed it as upholding religious values. Speaking to Shafaq News agency, Independent Iraqi MP Amir Al-Maamouri said, “the law will contribute to building a sound society in line with Iraqi customs.” This law means Iraq will join over 60 countries worldwide that criminalize same sex relationships.
