Passage of harsh anti
BAGHDAD (AP) — Human rights groups and diplomats criticized a law that was quietly passed by the Iraqi parliament over the weekend that would impose heavy prison sentences on gay and transgender people.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that the law passed Saturday “threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society” and “can be used to hamper free-speech and expression.” He warned that the legislation could drive away foreign investment.
“International business coalitions have already indicated that such discrimination in Iraq will harm business and economic growth in the country,” the statement said.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron called the law “dangerous and worrying.”
Although homosexuality is taboo in the largely conservative Iraqi society, and political leaders have periodically launched anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns, Iraq did not previously have a law that explicitly criminalized it.
Related articles
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
DENVER (AP) — Anthony Edwards overcame a slow start and the Timberwolves roared back from a 20-point2024-05-21the remote Canadian Island known as MARS on earth! It is so otherworldly, NASA uses it for research
A cratered, rusty-red wasteland littered with rocks that's arid, bitterly cold and devoid of plant l2024-05-21The perfect introduction to Wainwright's Lake District world
Alfred Wainwright once compared Coniston in the southern Lake District with Zermatt way up in the Sw2024-05-21Is a 99% mortgage really that bad? This is Money podcast
The row over small deposit mortgage is the gift that keeps on giving.Hot on the heels of the Budget2024-05-21Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil coach Dorival Júnior has replaced injured goalkeeper Ederson with Sao P2024-05-21Travel fanatic who has used TSA PreCheck for 'her whole life' SLAMS popular service
A keen traveler who claims she has used TSA PreCheck her 'whole life' has revealed why it is no long2024-05-21
atest comment