Iraq's parliament made gay sex punishable by 10 to 15 years in prison and made 'promoting homosexuality' a crime

On April 27, 2024, Iraq's Council of Representatives passed amendments to the 1988 Law on Combatting Prostitution. Per Human Rights Watch, same-sex relations carry 10 to 15 years in prison; 'promoting homosexuality' carries seven years plus a fine of 10 to 15 million dinars; and 'imitating women' carries one to three years or a fine.