Iraqi Parliament passes law criminalizing same-sex relations and transgenderism

Before globalization, individuals in the Middle East engaging in same-sex relationships did not identify as “homosexual.” They did not classify their sexual orientation in any terms. But the global push for transgenderism and “woke ideologies” in Western countries introduced the concept of “homosexuality” to the region. Eventually, these individuals were forced to adopt labels like “gay,” “lesbian” or “straight.”

Iraqi officials: Anti-LGBT law will protect children and society from moral depravity and homosexuality

Western nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have fiercely criticized the Iraqi government because of the newly enacted law.

“This amendment threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society. It can be used to hamper free speech and expression and inhibit the operations of NGOs across Iraq,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in a press release.

“The legislation also weakens Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment. International business coalitions have already indicated that such discrimination in Iraq will harm business and economic growth in the country. Respect for human rights and political and economic inclusion is essential for Iraq’s security, stability, and prosperity. This legislation is inconsistent with these values and undermines the government’s political and economic reform efforts,” Miller added.

Meanwhile, U.K. Secretary of State Lord David Cameron described the amendments as “dangerous and worrying.”

“No one should be targeted for who they are,” Cameron wrote on X. “We encourage the government of Iraq to uphold human rights and freedoms of all people without distinction.”

However, Iraqi officials defended the law. Lawmaker Raed al-Maliki, a proponent of the amendments, argued that the law “serves as a preventive measure to protect society from such acts.”

Acting Iraqi Parliamentary Speaker Mohsen Al-Mandalawi echoed the statement by al-Maliki. Al-Mandalawi stated that such a law is “a necessary step to protect the value structure of society” and to “protect our children from calls for moral depravity and homosexuality.”