The Media and Communications Commission of Iraq has issued a directive instructing all media and social media platforms in the country to avoid using the terms “homosexual” or “homosexuality” and instead use the term “sexual deviancy.” The commission stated that this decision aims to protect societal values and maintain public order, as the terms “homosexuality, homosexual, and Gender” have negative connotations within Iraqi society.
According to reports from Iraq’s state and private news outlets, while there are no specified penalties for noncompliance with the directive, fines may be introduced by the government. It is important to note that Iraq’s national penal code does not explicitly criminalize homosexuality. However, the country’s judiciary authorities often invoke laws related to the preservation of “public morals” to prosecute individuals engaged in same-sex acts. This legal ambiguity has led to discrimination, abuse, and even fatal attacks against the LGBTQ community in Iraq.
Attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals in the Arab world are influenced by cultural and religious factors. Islamic texts, including the Quran and the hadiths (quotes attributed to the Prophet Muhammad), condemn same-sex relationships. Some hadiths even advocate for the death penalty in cases of public engagement in homosexual activities.
Many Muslim-majority nations, including those with significant influence in the United Nations, have opposed efforts to advance LGBTQ rights. In fact, a coalition of 57 U.N. member states, predominantly Muslim-majority, previously cosponsored a statement against LGBTQ rights at the U.N. General Assembly. Additionally, in 2016, 51 Muslim-majority states prevented 11 LGBTQ advocacy organizations from participating in a high-level U.N. meeting on combating AIDS.
The degree of punishment for homosexuality varies among countries. In seven nations, such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iran, Mauritania, and the United Arab Emirates, homosexual acts can still be punishable by death. Afghanistan recently reintroduced the death penalty for homosexual acts after the Taliban regained control of the country in 2021.
Even in predominantly Muslim countries where homosexuality is legal, like Jordan, LGBTQ venues are often targeted, shut down, and patrons face violence and hostility.
In conclusion, the directive issued by Iraq’s Media and Communications Commission reflects the existing societal and legal challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in Iraq. The decision to replace certain terms aims to align with societal values, but it also highlights the need for progress and protection of LGBTQ rights in the region.
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