Recently, the Iraqi government passed a law criminalizing same-sex relationships. This law provides for a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. This was reported by Reuters.

The Iraqi authorities claim that the purpose of the law is to protect Iraqi society from “moral depravity and calls for homosexuality that have flooded the world.”

The law was supported mainly by conservative Shiite Muslim parties, which form the largest coalition in Iraq's Muslim parliament.

The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality prohibits same-sex relationships with a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 15 years, and provides for at least seven years in prison for those who promote homosexuality or prostitution.

Also, according to the law, those who change their biological sex or intentionally dress in women's clothing will be imprisoned.

The bill originally included the death penalty for same-sex relationships, but it was changed after a strong reaction from the United States and European countries.

The publication writes that, according to Our World in Data, more than 60 countries criminalize homosexuality, while same-sex sexual acts are legal in more than 130 countries.