The Iraqi parliament on Saturday approved a bill that imposes penalties of up to 15 years in prison for same-sex relations. Additionally, transgender individuals could face three years of imprisonment under revisions to a 1988 law targeting prostitution.
This legislation was passed during a session attended by 170 out of 329 lawmakers. Originally, the draft proposed capital punishment for same-sex relations, but the new amendments instead prescribed prison terms ranging from 10 to 15 years. Furthermore, the amendments mandate a minimum seven-year imprisonment for the “promotion” of same-sex relations, a
nd a sentence of one to three years for men who are found to “intentionally” portray themselves as women.
The amended law makes “biological sex change based on personal desire and inclination” a crime and punishes trans people and doctors who perform gender reassignment surgery with up to three years in prison.