Iraq Enacts Severe Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation, Imposing Harsh Penalties
The new Iraqi law criminalizes same-sex relationships and gender-transition procedures, sparking international condemnation and concerns over human rights violations.
- Iraq's parliament passed a law imposing up to 15 years in prison for same-sex relations and three years for transgender individuals.
- The legislation also targets organizations promoting LGBTQ+ rights, imposing heavy fines and prison terms.
- International backlash includes strong opposition from the U.S. and the U.K., citing threats to human rights and economic impacts.
- Human rights organizations describe the law as a severe attack on the LGBTQ+ community, exacerbating an already hostile environment.
- The law was passed quietly and strategically timed to avoid diplomatic tensions during a high-profile visit by the Iraqi Prime Minister to the U.S.