Slip Sliding Away: US Blasts New Iraqi Homosexuality Criminalization Law

The U.S. State Department said that a law passed by Iraq’s parliament on Saturday criminalizing same-sex relationships was a threat to human rights and freedoms and would weaken Iraq’s ability to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment.

"This amendment threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society. It can be used to hamper free-speech and expression and inhibit the operations of NGOs across Iraq," a State Department statement said.