BAGHDAD (AP) — Human rights groups and diplomats criticized a law that was quietly passed by the Iraqi parliament over the weekend that would impose heavy prison sentences on gay and transgender people. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that the law passed Saturday “threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society” and “can be used to hamper free-speech and expression.” He warned that the legislation could drive away foreign investment. “International business coalitions have already indicated that such discrimination in Iraq will harm business and economic growth in the country,” the statement said. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron called the law “dangerous and worrying.” Although homosexuality is taboo in the largely conservative Iraqi society, and political leaders have periodically launched anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns, Iraq did not previously have a law that explicitly criminalized it. |
Bill allowing parents to be fined for child's criminal offenses heads to Tennessee governorSatellite photos suggest Iran air defense radar struck in Isfahan during apparent Israeli attackEnvironmental groups sue Maine for action on climateCanadian family receives wrong body after father died on Cuban vacationMasters champion Scottie Scheffler builds 5Spanish women among top Laureus winners and Djokovic is world sportsman of the yearCanadian family receives wrong body after father died on Cuban vacationWilliam Strickland, a longtime civil rights activist, scholar and friend of Malcom X, has diedMinnesota state senator arrested on suspicion of burglaryNo charges yet in weekend crash that killed 2 siblings at Michigan birthday party