Representatives of the Iraqi parliament are preparing to vote on a draft law that provides for the death penalty or life imprisonment for same-sex relationships. This caused concern among human rights organizations and Western diplomats.
The draft law, which is being considered by the Iraqi parliament, concerns the introduction of amendments to the law on combating prostitution. According to this document, the death penalty or life imprisonment is planned for persons who engage in same-sex relations or use their wives in exchange for another for sexual purposes.
In addition, the draft law prohibits "propaganda of homosexuality", which is punishable by at least 7 years in prison. However, the document does not define exactly what is considered propaganda.
One of the Iraqi legislators called the law important "for preserving the authentic traditions of Iraqi society."
Diplomats from several Western countries have urged Iraqi authorities not to pass the bill because of human rights violations and the fact that it could complicate political cooperation with Iraq at a time when the country is trying to reduce its international isolation.
Currently, Iraq does not have direct legislation criminalizing same-sex relationships, but its criminal code contains a vague moral clause directed against the LGBT+ community.
In the past year, Iraq's main political forces have intensified their rhetoric against LGBT+ rights. Flags were often burned during protests by both government and opposition conservative Muslim forces.
According to Our World in Data, more than 60 countries around the world criminalize same-sex sex, while more than 130 countries legalize it.
