The United Nations Organization (UN) has expressed alarm at a new law passed by the Iraqi parliament criminalizing homosexual relationships and gender transitions, and has called for its repeal. The law imposes penalties of ten to fifteen years in prison for homosexual relationships, as well as for swinging practices involving wives. It also prohibits any organization promoting homosexuality in Iraq, with a seven-year prison sentence for the promotion of homosexual relationships. Additionally, the law prohibits biological sex changes based on individual desires or inclinations, with penalties of one to three years in prison for individuals or doctors involved in this transition. Similar penalties are imposed on any man whose behavior is deemed effeminate.
According to Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, these laws legitimize prejudice and expose individuals to hate crimes, police abuse, harassment, intimidation, blackmail, and torture. They also perpetuate discrimination and deny access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and housing. Amnesty International has criticized the legislation as a violation of fundamental human rights, while the US Department of State has expressed deep concern over its impact on the most vulnerable members of Iraqi society and its undermining of government efforts towards economic and political reform.
The American government has responded to the Iraqi law with concern, emphasizing the negative effects on vulnerable populations and the hindrance posed to government reform initiatives. The law has also been heavily criticized for its potential to fuel discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as for limiting access to essential services. The UN has emphasized the need to uphold international human rights treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Iraq is a signatory to, and has called for the repeal of the law to ensure the protection and equality of all individuals.
The enactment of the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Iraq has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and government bodies, who have raised concerns about the violation of basic human rights and the detrimental impact on vulnerable populations. The law has been denounced for perpetuating discrimination, denying access to essential services, and legitimizing prejudice and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. The international community has called for the repeal of the law to uphold human rights standards and ensure the protection and equality of all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The new legislation in Iraq criminalizing homosexual relationships and gender transitions has been met with strong opposition from the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations. The law has been criticized for violating fundamental human rights, legitimizing discrimination, and perpetuating prejudice and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. Calls have been made for the Iraqi government to repeal the law in order to uphold international human rights standards and protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
