Iraq's parliament has approved legislation that imposes prison sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years for same-sex relationships. Additionally, transgender individuals could face imprisonment for periods of one to three years under the newly passed law.

Proponents of the measure argue that it reinforces religious values within the nation, while critics view it as exacerbating Iraq's already troubling track record of human rights violations against the LGBTQ+ community.

The law also targets individuals involved in promoting homosexuality or prostitution, as well as medical professionals performing gender reassignment surgery.

Furthermore, men exhibiting behaviors perceived as feminine and those participating in "wife swapping" are subject to incarceration under this legislation.

Originally, an earlier version of the bill proposed capital punishment for same-sex relationships but was revised due to opposition from the United States and other Western nations.

MP Amir al-Maamouri described the enactment of the law as a significant stride in combating behaviors deemed deviant from Islamic and societal norms. The timing of the bill's passage, following Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani's recent visit to the US, suggests a strategic decision to avoid diplomatic repercussions.

Lawmaker Raed al-Maliki, who spearheaded the amendments, emphasized that the legislation constitutes an internal matter, rejecting any external interference in Iraqi affairs.

Iraqi authorities have a history of targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, utilizing existing morality laws for punitive measures.

Human Rights Watch and other human rights organizations have also detailed several cases of abduction, torture, rape, and murder.

Major Iraqi political parties have in recent years stepped up criticism of LGBT rights, with rainbow flags being burned at protests.

The US State Department said in a statement that the passing of the law reforms were a threat to human rights and freedoms.

"The legislation also weakens Iraq's ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment," it added.

"International business coalitions have already indicated that such discrimination in Iraq will harm business and economic growth in the country."

UK Secretary of State Lord David Cameron, meanwhile, described the amendments as "dangerous and worrying".

"No one should be targeted for who they are," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"We encourage the Government of Iraq to uphold human rights and freedoms of all people without distinction."

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