British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s Concerns
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed deep concerns over Iraq’s new law criminalizing same-sex relationships, calling it extremely dangerous and worrying. He emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and freedoms for all individuals without distinction.
United States’ Denouncement of Iraq’s New Law
The United States strongly denounced Iraq for passing a bill criminalizing same-sex relationships, stating that the new law poses a threat to vulnerable individuals in Iraqi society. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller warned that the amendment to the 1988 anti-prostitution law could impede free speech and expression, as well as hinder Iraq’s economic diversification and foreign investment attraction.
Impact of the New Law
- The new law criminalizes same-sex relationships with a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
- Rights groups have condemned the law as an attack on human rights.
- The law aims to protect Iraqi society from what is perceived as moral depravity and influences of homosexuality.
- Transgender individuals could face a three-year prison sentence under the amended law.
Legislative Process and Backing
The amendments to the anti-prostitution law were adopted during a parliamentary session attended by 170 out of 329 lawmakers. The move was primarily supported by conservative Shi’ite Muslim parties, the largest coalition in Iraq’s parliament.
