Iraq passes law banning prison sentences for same-sex relationships

Iraqi Parliament accepted a law criminalizing same-sex relationships. According to it, gays and lesbians will face 10 to 15 years in prison. There are also prison sentences for “gender non-conformity” – for example, a man who looks overly feminine. Transgender people, as well as doctors who assist them in their transgender transition, will be able to receive up to three years in prison for “gender change.”

The law states that its purpose is “to protect Iraqi society from moral decay and calls for homosexuality that have swept the world,” reports Reuters. It was supported primarily by conservative Shiite parties, which constitute the majority in the country’s parliament.

In the original version of the bill, it was planned to punish homosexuals with the death penalty, but during the discussion it was decided to soften the punishment.

Previously, homosexuality was not directly criminalized in Iraq, but numerous articles of insulting public morals were applied to LGBT people. Homosexuals are also frequently victims of beatings, rape and murder, either by individuals or by armed groups. Such crimes most often go unpunished.

Human Rights Watch called the law a serious blow to fundamental human rights, saying Iraq has legislated the violence and discrimination faced by LGBT people in the country. The law also condemned US State Department.