The Iraqi parliament has passed a bill criminalizing same-sex relationships in the country. This is reported by UNN with reference to Reuters.
Details
The document provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment from 10 to 15 years for same-sex relations, as well as terms of seven years for those who "promote homosexuality or prostitution.
In addition, the law criminalizes transgender transition, with a penalty of one to three years in prison.
Initially, the draft law provided for the death penalty for same-sex relationships, but it was later revised. Human rights activists note that the new law violates the rights of LGBT people and deals a serious blow to fundamental human rights.
Addendum
As stated in the text of the document, the law is aimed at "protecting society from moral degradation and calls for homosexuality that have spread around the world.
The draft law was supported by the predominantly conservative Shiite MPs who make up the majority in parliament. The MPs claim that the move is aimed at "supporting religious values.
Recall
Greece has become the first Orthodox country to legalize same-sex civil marriage , despite the opposition of church officials. However, the law was strongly opposed by the Orthodox Church.