Iraq Introduces Harsh Penalties for LGBTQ People, Criminalizing Same-Sex Activity
Iraq’s parliament has approved an amendment to the anti-prostitution law that could lead to LGBTQ individuals being imprisoned for up to 15 years for engaging in same-sex activity. Raed al-Maliki, a member of the Parliamentary Legal Committee, announced the amendment, which includes penalties for "practices imitating women," transgenderism, and promoting sexual acts, as well as prohibiting organizations from promoting prostitution and sexual deviancy, as reported by Shafaq News.
The new law specifies a minimum of 10 years in prison for homosexual acts and a minimum of seven years for promoting LGBTQ activity. Independent MP Amir Al-Maamouri described the legislation as a significant step in combating what he termed "sexual deviancy," citing the need to address cases that contradict Islamic and societal values. Previously, homosexuality was legal in Iraq, but LGBTQ individuals often faced threats, abuse, and murder, with authorities using laws against "immodest acts" to target them.