Iraq: Halt the Anti-LGBT+ Death Law

Iraq might soon approve some of the world’s harshest anti-LGBT+ legislation, which threatens the lives of LGBT+ people and their supporters with death

Update – April 27, 2024: Today, Iraq's parliament passed amendments to the law combating prostitution that impose severe penalties for same-sex relationships and bans the "promotion" of same-sex relationships, akin to measures seen in Russia. This law, which originally proposed the death penalty, now subjects LGBT+ individuals and allies to up to 15 years in prison. Transgender individuals face dire threats, as the new law criminalizes anyone who needs to transition with up to three years in prison. We remain dedicated to fighting for the rights and safety of the LGBT+ community in Iraq. You can donate here to help save LGBT+ lives in Iraq – lives depend on your swift action.

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Iraq's Parliament is currently reviewing a proposed amendment that represents one of the most severe legal threats to the LGBT+ community in recent history. Initiated by Raad Al-Maliki on August 15, 2023, the Iraqi Parliament concluded its second session on 1/2/2024, reading three laws and discussing the first amendment to the proposal for Law No. (8) of 1988 combating prostitution. The amendment aligns with the "social values of the Iraqi people" and aims to redefine "sexual perversion" within the existing "Law on Combatting Prostitution," potentially resulting in the criminalization of same-sex relationships and transgender identities with penalties as harsh as the death sentence.

The repercussions of this law would be devastating, not only criminalizing LGBT+ existence but also penalizing allies and human rights defenders with extreme measures, including death. The amendment equates same-sex relations with "sexual perversion" and advocates for the closure of any organization or institution that supports LGBT+ rights, further marginalizing the community and silencing their advocates.

Those expressing transgender identities are criminalized for "imitating women," while the use of the term "gender" in state institutions and civil society organizations and the use of hormones are banned.

This legislative proposal defies Iraq's constitutional commitment to equality and international human rights standards. It's a dire situation, with the vote looming and countless lives hanging in the balance. We must act swiftly to prevent this draconian law from taking effect.

It is vital to stand together in protecting human rights and to offer support to those at risk of persecution.

We call upon you to sign this petition, urging the Iraqi Parliament and President Abdul Latif Rashid to outright reject this amendment. We also seek the international community's intervention to preserve the fundamental human rights to life. Your signature signifies a call for justice and a rejection of laws that criminalize love and self-expression.


This campaign is run by Guardians of Equality Movement (GEM) in conjunction with Gala Iraq.

0people have signed
Goal: 40,000

To Members of the Iraqi Parliament, President of Iraq, Abdul Latif Rashid, and international community:

We, the undersigned, express our profound concern regarding the proposed amendment to Iraq's "Law on Combatting Prostitution." This legislation, which criminalizes same-sex relations and transgender expressions and introduces the death penalty for LGBT+ support, represents a blatant disregard for the values of equality, nondiscrimination, and privacy enshrined in the Iraqi Constitution and international law.

We urge you to reject this proposed amendment unequivocally. The law's enactment would not only imperil the LGBT+ community but also tarnish Iraq's reputation as a nation that honors the rights and dignity of its citizens.

We also call upon the international community to exert diplomatic pressure on the Iraqi government to halt this legislation and protect human life and dignity, especially for minorities, allowing them to live with dignity and play their role in society without any discrimination. 


0people have signed
Goal: 40,000