Iraq - August 2023

On 15 August, the government proposed a law criminalizing homosexuality, penalizing transgender women and anyone perceived as ‘imitating women’ in public. The legislation, which labels same-sex relationships as ‘sexual perversion’, threatens up to seven years in prison and fines of 15 million dinars (11,500 USD) for promoting homosexuality, although it fails to define what this entails. On 9 August, Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) directed all media outlets to replace the term ‘homosexuality’ with ‘sexual deviance’ in their published and broadcast language. In addition, the use of the term ‘gender’ was banned as the CMC claimed this language is incompatible with Iraqi society. This move, condemned by international NGOs, has intensified the marginalization of the LGBTQIA+ community, promoting hostility and discrimination.

Against this backdrop, anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric from Iraqi officials and clampdowns on human rights groups has intensified in recent months. Reports of violent attacks on LGBTQIA+ individuals, often unpunished, are increasing, pointing to a lack of legal protection.

Sources: Iraqi News Agency, Erasing 76 Crimes News, Human Rights Watch, Reuters, Nina News, Amnesty International, Middle East Eye