Homosexual relations have so far not been prohibited in Iraq, but rather heavily tabooed. But on Saturday, a new law was passed in the country that criminalizes same-sex sex, Reuters reports. The penalty is between ten and fifteen years in prison.
Promoting homosexuality or prostitution is punishable by at least seven years in prison. The law also means one to three years in prison for anyone who changes their biological sex or deliberately dresses in a feminist way.
Included previous death sentences
The purpose of the new law is to “maintain religious values and protect Iraqi society from the incitement to homosexuality that has taken over the world,” according to a copy of the law seen by Reuters.
The bill at an earlier stage included the death penalty for same-sex sex, but was reworked before it was passed after strong opposition from the US and the EU.
Several Iraqi parties have in recent years intensified criticism of LGBTQ+ rights, with rainbow flags often being burned in protests.