Making homosexual relations a crime in Iraq, law punishable with 15 years' imprisonment; America expressed objection to the decision

A law regarding homosexual relationships was passed in the Iraqi Parliament. Iraq has criminalized homosexual relations. At the same time, the Parliament of Iraq also announced a punishment of 15 years for those who have homosexual relations. The Parliament of Iraq has passed this law on the basis of religious values. Let us tell you that the Parliament of Iraq has also taken strict action against prostitution.

The LGBT community and Western countries have expressed strong criticism regarding this law of Iraq. America and the European Union have also expressed objection to this decision of Iraq. Let us tell you that those who promote homosexuality in Iraq will also be punished. The US State Department said that America is concerned about this decision. This change is a threat to constitutionally protected human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Iraq has effectively codified into law years of discrimination and violence against members of the LGBTI community, said Rajav Salihi, Amnesty International's Iraq researcher. Human Rights Watch member Sara Sambar has also expressed concern over this decision of Iraq.