Iraq suspends media from using ‘homosexuality’ term
The flag of Iraq. Photo: Getty Images
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Communication and Media Commission (CMC), Iraq’s official media regulator, ordered on Tuesday all media outlets operating in the country not to use the term ‘homosexuality’ and to use ‘sexual deviance’ instead, according to Reuters.
Reuters explained that the CMC also banned the use of the term ‘gender’ and prohibited all phone and internet companies from using the terms in any of their mobile applications.
An official in the Iraqi government clarified that the decision still needs final approval by the concerned authorities.
A government spokesperson elaborated that a penalty for violating the rule had not yet been set but could include a fine, as mentioned by Reuters.
Reuters also explained that Iraq does not explicitly criminalize gay sex, but loosely defined morality clauses in its penal code have been used to target members of the LGBT community.
Reuters added that more than 60 countries criminalize gay sex, while same-sex sexual acts are legal in more than 130 countries.