Iraq’s primary media regulatory body issued directives to all media and online platforms operating within the country, asking them to refrain from using the term “homosexuality.” Instead, they were advised to use the phrase “sexual deviance,” as confirmed by an official document and a government spokesperson.
The directive from the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC) further detailed the prohibition of the term “gender.” The notice was extended to phone and internet service providers, cautioning them against using the words above in their mobile applications.
Although the directive has been issued, a government representative clarified that it awaits final sanction.
The Arabic-written announcement from the regulatory body emphasized its preference for media entities to adopt the term “sexual deviance” instead of “homosexuality.”
While the potential repercussions for non-compliance have yet to be determined, the government has indicated that they might impose fines.
While the Iraqi penal code does not explicitly declare gay acts illegal, its vaguely framed morality clauses have previously been utilized to target the LGBT community.
In recent events, major political factions within Iraq have escalated their criticism of LGBT rights. Demonstrations led by Shi’ite Muslim groups, particularly in response to recent incidents of Koran desecration in Sweden and Denmark, have seen the burning of rainbow flags.
Globally, gay acts are outlawed in over 60 countries. In contrast, more than 130 nations have legalized same-sex relationships, as data from Our World in Data indicates.
As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of acceptance, tolerance, and understanding, decisions such as Iraq’s directive shine a light on the broader challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community globally. The balance between cultural nuances, religious beliefs, and universal human rights remains a subject of intense debate, necessitating continued dialogue and awareness efforts.
