UN 'alarmed' by Iraqi bill criminalizing same-sex relationships!

The United Nations has expressed concern over a new legislation in Iraq that criminalizes same-sex relationships and has called for their repeal.

Iraq's parliament has passed a law criminalizing consensual same-sex relationships and private consensual behavior, with jail terms of up to 15 years.

UN human rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani criticized the law as violating human rights treaties and conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The revisions to laws promoting same-sex relationships include a minimum seven-year prison sentence and a one to three-year sentence for men who intentionally act like women.

They criticize laws for legitimizing prejudice, exposing people to hate crime, and perpetuating discrimination.

New Iraqi law criminalizes biological sex change, sentences transgender individuals and doctors to three years in prison, prohibits organizations promoting homosexuality, and criminalizes wife swapping.

However, LGBTQII Iraqis face unpunished kidnappings, rapes, and murders.

By: Radebe Khumbuzile