Iraq’s parliament has recently ratified a stringent law that imposes harsh penalties, including up to 15 years of imprisonment, for individuals engaged in same-sex relationships.
The legislation also targets gender reassignment and wearing attire deemed indecent within the country, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights advocates.
The approval of this law has elicited sharp criticism from various fundamental rights groups, who denounce it as a grave infringement on individual liberties. Calls for a thorough review of the legislation have emerged, emphasizing the need to safeguard the rights and dignity of all citizens.
Significantly, Shiite parties in Iraq played a pivotal role in championing the passage of this controversial legislation, which encompasses provisions against homosexuality, gender reassignment, and attire considered inappropriate by societal standards. The Iraqi government contends that the enactment of this law is imperative to curb perceived moral degradation within society.
Moreover, the new law proposes severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to seven years, for individuals involved in the promotion of homosexuality or prostitution. Initially, the draft legislation even included provisions for the death penalty for same-sex relationships.
