Iraq Bans Term 'Homosexuality,' Sparks Outrage and Rights Concerns

In a controversial move, Iraq's official media regulator, the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC), has ordered all media and social media companies operating in the Arab state to refrain from using the term "homosexuality" and instead, use the term "sexual deviance." The directive also includes a ban on the term "gender" in any mobile applications.

While the decision awaits final approval, the government spokesperson stated that a penalty for violating the rule, such as a fine, could be imposed. Iraqi society does not explicitly criminalize homosexual activity, yet loosely defined morality clauses in the country's penal code have been used to target members of the LGBT community.

Recent months have seen an increase in criticism of LGBT rights by major Iraqi parties, with occurrences of rainbow flags being burned in protests against Koran burnings in Sweden and Denmark by Shi'ite Muslim factions.

This move by the CMC has raised concerns among human rights organizations. Amnesty International condemned the decision, stating that it is an attack on freedom of expression and will further fuel discrimination and violent attacks against the LGBTI community.

Additionally, the ban and demonization of the term "gender" demonstrates a lack of regard for combating gender-based violence at a time when crimes against women and girls have been on the rise. Iraq joins more than 60 countries that criminalize gay sex, whereas same-sex sexual acts are legal in over 130 countries globally, according to Our World in Data.

The banning of certain terms by the CMC is seen as part of a broader trend in many Muslim-majority nations, where LGBTQ rights face resistance due to religious and cultural reasons. Several governments, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates, impose strict penalties, including death, for homosexual acts.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, are calling for the Iraqi authorities to retract their directive and respect freedom of expression and non-discrimination for all individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. It remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold and whether the decision will be revised or enforced.