same-sex relations

Iraq makes same-sex relations punishable by up to 15 years in jail

Iraq has recently made same-sex relations punishable by up to 15 years in jail, a move that has sparked outrage and disbelief among many. The fact that this is considered an upgrade from Iran’s hanging or Saudi Arabia’s beheading for the same offense is truly shocking. The West’s intervention in Iraq, allegedly to remove Saddam Hussein’s oppressive dictatorship and establish a democratic government, seems to have missed the mark entirely. Instead, Iraq has elected a government that is sympathetic to Iran, leading to the codification of discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community into law.

Homosexuality has always been taboo in Iraq’s conservative society, but there had not been a law explicitly punishing same-sex relations until now.… Continue reading