Iraq Enacts Severe Anti-LGBTQ+ Law, Sparking Global Outcry

The new legislation imposes harsh penalties for same-sex relations and gender-affirming treatments, drawing criticism from international human rights groups.

• Iraq's parliament passed a law criminalizing same-sex relations and gender-affirming treatments, with penalties up to 15 years in prison.
• The United Nations and rights organizations like Amnesty International have condemned the law, citing violations of international human rights treaties.
• The law also targets the transgender community, criminalizing those who seek or provide gender-affirming care.
• Critics argue the law will increase discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community in Iraq.
• The U.S. State Department warns that the law could undermine Iraq's economic and political reform efforts and deter foreign investment.

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Voice of America (VOA News) Voice of America (VOA News) Amnesty International