Current:Home > ContactIraq bans the word "homosexual" on all media platforms and offers an alternative -BrightFuture Investments
Iraq bans the word "homosexual" on all media platforms and offers an alternative
View
Date:2025-04-16 15:34:44
Iraq's Media and Communications Commission has issued a directive instructing all media and social media platforms in the country to refrain from using the terms "homosexual" or "homosexuality" and instead use "sexual deviancy."
The decision, reported widely by Iraq's state and private news outlets, was made to safeguard societal values and public order, the commission said, noting that the terms "homosexuality, homosexual, and Gender" hold undesirable connotations within Iraqi society.
While no specific penalties were immediately established for noncompliance with the new directive, a government representative indicated that fines could be introduced.
Iraq's national penal code does not contain explicit provisions criminalizing homosexuality, though the country's judiciary authorities often invoke provisions in laws related to the preservation of "public morals" to prosecute people for same-sex acts. The legal ambiguity has resulted in discrimination, abuse and even fatal attacks against the LGBTQ community in Iraq, and rights group Amnesty International said the new directive could make things worse.
Aya Majzoub, the organization's Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, in a statement, called the Iraqi media regulator's order "the latest in a series of attacks on freedom of expression under the guise of respect for 'public morals,'" blasting it as a "dangerous move that can fuel discrimination and violent attacks against members of the LGBTI community."
Amnesty called on Iraqi authorities to "immediately overturn this decision and ensure they respect the right to freedom of expression and non-discrimination for everyone in the country, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation."
Attitudes toward LGBTQ people across the Arab world are shaped by a combination of cultural and religious factors. Islamic texts, including the Quran and the hadiths, the latter of which are a recollection of quotes attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, denounce same-sex relationships.
Some hadiths advocate for the death penalty in cases of public engagement in homosexual activities.
Many Muslim-majority nations have long resisted efforts to advance LGBTQ rights, including by opposing global initiatives at the United Nations. A coalition of 57 U.N. member states, many of which have Muslim majorities, previously cosponsored a statement opposing LGBTQ rights at the U.N. General Assembly, and in 2016, 51 Muslim-majority states prevented 11 gay and transgender advocacy organizations from participating in a high-level U.N. meeting on combating AIDS.
- Weeks before World Cup, rights group says host Qatar mistreats LGBTQ people
The degree of punishment for homosexuality varies from country to country. In seven nations, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iran, Mauritania, and the United Arab Emirates, homosexual acts are still punishable by death.
Afghanistan reintroduced the death penalty for homosexual acts after the Taliban retook control of the country in 2021.
Even in predominantly Muslim countries where homosexuality is legal, such as Jordan, LGBTQ venues are often targeted and shut down, and patrons are often subjected to violence and hostility.
- In:
- United Arab Emirates
- Iraq
- Human rights
- Don't Say Gay Law
- Death Penalty
- Civil Rights
- LGBTQ+
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Trump's 'stop
- My Favorite SKIMS Drops This Month: Strapless Bras That Don't Slip, Bold Swimwear, Soft Loungewear & More
- NFL draft attendees down for 3rd straight year. J.J. McCarthy among those who didn’t go to Detroit
- What Matty Healy's Mom Has to Say About Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- Dozens of Climate Activists Arrested at Citibank Headquarters in New York City During Earth Week
- Psst! Target’s Spring Home Sale Has Hundreds of Deals up to 50% off on Furniture, Kitchen Items & More
- Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid scores 50 vs. Knicks while dealing with Bell's palsy
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Jelly Roll teases new song, sings 'Save Me' at pre-NFL draft concert
Ranking
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- Net neutrality restored as FCC votes to regulate internet providers
- Judge reject’s Trump’s bid for a new trial in $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll defamation case
- Minneapolis smokers to pay some of the highest cigarette prices in US with a $15 per-pack minimum
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Ashley Judd, #MeToo founders react to ruling overturning Harvey Weinstein’s conviction
- Horses break loose in central London, near Buckingham Palace, injuring several people
- Caitlin Clark Shares Sweet Glimpse at Romance With Boyfriend Connor McCaffery
Recommendation
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
Judge reject’s Trump’s bid for a new trial in $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll defamation case
Jelly Roll teases new song, sings 'Save Me' at pre-NFL draft concert
New home for University of Kentucky cancer center will help accelerate research, director says
Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
Celebrate Draft Day With These Top Picks, From Cool Merch to Home Decor & More Touchdown-Worthy Finds
You Have to See Travis Kelce's Reaction to Kardashian-Jenner Family Comparison
BNSF becomes 2nd major railroad to sign on to anonymous federal safety hotline for some workers