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Militias and Society Target Iraq’s LGBT Community
Refuge and Protection of Human Rights Worldwide
Page 1 — Introduction and Context
In Iraq, LGBT citizens live under constant threat from both armed militias and entrenched social stigma. Homosexuality is not explicitly outlawed, yet morality laws and vague public decency provisions are used to harass, detain, and punish LGBT individuals.
Beyond the state, powerful militias and segments of society routinely target LGBT Iraqis with violence, intimidation, and ostracism. This double persecution leaves many forced into secrecy or exile.
Page 2 — Historical and Political Background
Iraq’s LGBT community has long faced marginalisation, but instability following the 2003 invasion worsened conditions. The breakdown of state institutions allowed militias to operate with impunity, targeting those deemed socially “immoral.”
The rise of ISIS between 2014 and 2017 intensified violence against LGBT individuals, who were subjected to executions and public humiliation. Even after ISIS’s defeat, other militias and conservative social norms continue to threaten LGBT lives, while the government fails to provide protection.
Page 3 — Forms of Persecution
LGBT Iraqis face multiple forms of persecution:
- Militia violence: kidnappings, beatings, and killings.
- Police harassment: arrests under morality laws and blackmail by authorities.
- Social ostracism: family rejection and forced marriages.
- Media vilification: LGBT people portrayed as corrupting society.
- Exile: many flee abroad to seek asylum and safety.
These layers of abuse make daily life perilous for LGBT citizens in Iraq.
Page 4 — Consequences for Citizens and Society
For LGBT Iraqis, persecution results in isolation, trauma, and lack of access to healthcare, employment, or justice. Many live in hiding, unable to express their identities or form communities.
For Iraqi society, targeting LGBT citizens reinforces intolerance, undermines human rights, and drives talented individuals into exile. Internationally, Iraq faces condemnation for failing to protect minorities and uphold universal rights.
Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion
Protecting Iraq’s LGBT community requires urgent reform and cultural change.
Key steps include:
- Legal reform: repeal morality laws used to criminalise LGBT individuals.
- Accountability: prosecute militia leaders and perpetrators of violence.
- Safe spaces: provide shelters and healthcare for LGBT citizens.
- Awareness campaigns: challenge stigma and promote tolerance.
- Asylum protections: expand international support for LGBT refugees from Iraq.
Until such protections are implemented, Iraq’s LGBT community will remain vulnerable, targeted by militias and society alike.
In Iraq, LGBT citizens live under constant threat from both armed militias and entrenched social stigma. Homosexuality is not explicitly outlawed, yet morality laws and vague public decency provisions are used to harass, detain, and punish LGBT individuals.
Beyond the state, powerful militias and segments of society routinely target LGBT Iraqis with violence, intimidation, and ostracism. This double persecution leaves many forced into secrecy or exile.
Page 2 — Historical and Political Background
Iraq’s LGBT community has long faced marginalisation, but instability following the 2003 invasion worsened conditions. The breakdown of state institutions allowed militias to operate with impunity, targeting those deemed socially “immoral.”
The rise of ISIS between 2014 and 2017 intensified violence against LGBT individuals, who were subjected to executions and public humiliation. Even after ISIS’s defeat, other militias and conservative social norms continue to threaten LGBT lives, while the government fails to provide protection.
Page 3 — Forms of Persecution
LGBT Iraqis face multiple forms of persecution:
- Militia violence: kidnappings, beatings, and killings.
- Police harassment: arrests under morality laws and blackmail by authorities.
- Social ostracism: family rejection and forced marriages.
- Media vilification: LGBT people portrayed as corrupting society.
- Exile: many flee abroad to seek asylum and safety.
These layers of abuse make daily life perilous for LGBT citizens in Iraq.
Page 4 — Consequences for Citizens and Society
For LGBT Iraqis, persecution results in isolation, trauma, and lack of access to healthcare, employment, or justice. Many live in hiding, unable to express their identities or form communities.
For Iraqi society, targeting LGBT citizens reinforces intolerance, undermines human rights, and drives talented individuals into exile. Internationally, Iraq faces condemnation for failing to protect minorities and uphold universal rights.
Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion
Protecting Iraq’s LGBT community requires urgent reform and cultural change.
Key steps include:
- Legal reform: repeal morality laws used to criminalise LGBT individuals.
- Accountability: prosecute militia leaders and perpetrators of violence.
- Safe spaces: provide shelters and healthcare for LGBT citizens.
- Awareness campaigns: challenge stigma and promote tolerance.
- Asylum protections: expand international support for LGBT refugees from Iraq.
Until such protections are implemented, Iraq’s LGBT community will remain vulnerable, targeted by militias and society alike.
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