Iraq bans the word ‘homosexuality’ in media, promotes alternative term.
Iraq Outlaws the Word ‘Homosexuality’ in National Media, Pushes Use of Alternative Term
In a controversial move, Iraq has recently banned the terms “homosexual” and “homosexuality” from all forms of media, including social media platforms. The country’s Media and Communications Commission has ruled that these words should be replaced with the term “sexual deviancy,” according to CBS News.
While the regulatory agency has not specified the punishments for violating this rule, it is believed that fines could be imposed on those who use the banned terms. The decision to ban these words is said to be in line with Iraq’s aim to protect its “societal values and public order.”
It is worth noting that Iraq is one of the few countries in the Middle East where homosexuality is not illegal. However, it is still heavily stigmatized, and the promotion of LGBT agendas is prohibited in certain areas of the country.
Earlier this year, a non-governmental organization called the Rasan Organization, which was promoting homosexuality in the Kurdistan region, was ordered to shut down. The Human Rights Watch reported that the organization was forced to cease operations due to its activities in the field of homosexuality.
While Iraq’s stance on homosexuality is relatively more lenient compared to other Middle Eastern countries, it is important to highlight that in some nations, homosexuality is outlawed and can even be punishable by death. Iran, for example, reportedly executed two men last year on charges of “forced sexual intercourse between two men.”
Other countries where homosexuality is punishable by death include Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and even the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, in the United States, LGBT activists have been vocal about their concerns regarding legislation that restricts their rights. In Florida, for instance, there have been debates over laws that ban “drag” shows in front of children, leading some families to feel unsafe and even relocate.
It is clear that the issue of homosexuality and its acceptance varies greatly across different regions of the world. While Iraq’s ban on the word “homosexuality” in national media is a significant development, it is just one aspect of a much larger global conversation.
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