United Nations ‘alarmed’ by Iraq’s new anti-LGBTQ+ law

Ravina Shamdasani, U.N. human rights office spokesperson, said in a statement that the law “should be shelved.”

The law criminalizes transgender people under an amendment to a 1988 anti-prostitution law. The amendment prohibits “biological sex change based on personal desire and inclination,” punishing transgender people and doctors who perform gender-affirming care with three years in prison.

Iraq’s parliament set a seven-year minimum prison sentence for those who “promote” homosexuality and a maximum three-year sentence for men who “intentionally” act like women.

Shamdasani said the law violates several human rights treaties signed by Iraq, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which provides all people equal protection from discrimination.

More: https://www.voanews.com/a/united-nations-alarmed-by-iraq-new-anti-lgbtq-law/7589589.html

See also: https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2024/04/comment-un-human-rights-office-spokesperson-ravina-shamdasani-iraq