Iraq clings to denying freedoms with a harsh law that condemns homosexuality

2024-05-01 17:45:36

Irak recently approved a series of amendments to the law against sex work.

These include provisions for criminalize homosexual relations and the expressions transgender.

In addition, they impose severe penalties of up to 15 years in prison.

Homosexuality (Anna Shvets / Pexels)

Arguments and legislative support against homosexuality in Iraq

The Parliament of Irak argued that the amendments were necessary to safeguard “moral decency in Iraqi society”.

This, in the face of what they described as “calls to the homosexuality that have invaded the world”.

Mohsen al Mandalauiinterim president of the lower house of Iraksupported these measures as an effort to protect the values ​​of society and children.

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Thus, he described these behaviors as “moral depravity.”

The vote took place during a session in which 170 of the 329 deputies of the Iraqi Chamber participated.

Irak (@Terrorism_)

These are the new provisions and sanctions in Iraq

The new legislative provisions in Irak establish that any homosexual relationship consensual will be penalized with between 10 and 15 years in prison.

Furthermore, promoting same-sex relationships will result in a sentence of between one and three years in prison, along with a significant fine.

The law also punishes men who display “effeminate behavior”.

gay kiss

Reactions and criticisms to sanctions in Iraq

Human Rights Watch (HRW) acting co-director Rasha Younes condemned the passage of the new bans in Irak.

In his message, he stated that they reinforce a history of rights violations against LGBT people.

Younes also warned that the situation of the group in the country, who already face violence and threats by armed groups and religious.

Irak

Background in Iraq and initial proposal

He anti-homosexuality bill It was presented in August 2023 by the independent deputy Read the Maliki.

In its initial version, it contemplated the death penalty or life imprisonment for homosexual relations, along with harsh sanctions for “promotion of the homosexuality”.

This, because although this sexual preference was not explicitly illegal in Irakauthorities have used vague laws to persecute LGBT people.

2024-05-01 17:45:36