Iraq Bans The Term ‘Homosexuality’, Orders Media To Use ‘Sexual Deviance’ Instead
Iraq’s Official Media Regulator has ordered all media and social media companies operating in the Arab state not to use the term “homosexuality” and instead to say “sexual deviance.”
A Government spokesperson said that a document from the Country’s Media Regulator has ordered.
The Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC) document said that the use of the term “gender” was also banned. It prohibited all phone and internet companies licensed by it from using the terms in any of their mobile applications.
A Government Official later said that the decision still required final approval.
The regulator “directs media organisations … not to use the term ‘homosexuality’ and to use the correct term ‘sexual deviance’,” the Arabic-language statement said.
A Government Spokesperson said a penalty for violating the rule had not yet been set but could include a fine.
Major Iraqi parties have in the past two months stepped up criticism of LGBT rights, with rainbow flags frequently being burned in protests.
More than 60 countries criminalise gay sex, while same-sex sexual acts are legal in more than 130 countries, according to Our World in Data.
REUTERS/AISHA
