Amnesty International urges Iraq to reverse decision banning media from using ‘homosexuality’ term

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Aya Majzoub, said on Wednesday that the Iraqi authorities must immediately overturn the decision banning media outlets from using the term ‘homosexuality.’

Majzoub elaborated that Iraq must ensure the right to freedom of expression and non-discrimination for all individuals in the country, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, according to a statement issued by Amnesty International.

Majzoub’s statements followed a directive issued by the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC) that media outlets must replace the term ‘homosexuality’ with ‘sexual deviance’ in their published and broadcast language.

Amnesty International’s official described the Iraq decision as the latest in a series of attacks on freedom of expression under the guise of respect for ‘public morals.’

Majzoub added that the CMC’s ban of the word ‘homosexuality’ and insistence that media use ‘sexual deviance’ instead is a dangerous move that can fuel discrimination and violent attacks against members of the LGBT community.