Iraqi Media Commission Issues Directive Restricting LGBTQ Terminology
In a move that has sparked international concern, Iraqi Media Commission issues directive restricting LGBTQ terminology. Iraq's Media and Communications Commission prohibited the use of the terms "homosexual" or "homosexuality" in media and social media platforms within the country.
Author:Suleman ShahReviewer:Han JuAug 11, 20231.5K Shares167K Views
In a move that has sparked international concern, Iraqi Media Commission issues directive restricting LGBTQ terminology.
Iraq's Media and Communications Commission prohibited the use of the terms"homosexual" or "homosexuality" in media and social media platforms within the country.
Instead, the directive mandates the use of the term "sexual deviancy." The decision, which has been widely reported by both state and private newsoutlets, aims to uphold societal values and public order, according to the commission.
Iraqi authorities contend that the terms related to LGBTQ identities carry negative connotations within their society.
Concerns Over Freedom Of Expression And Human Rights
While the directive does not immediately stipulate penalties for noncompliance, government representatives have hinted at the introduction of fines. Iraq's legal framework lacks explicit provisions criminalizing homosexuality.
However, authorities have often invoked laws pertaining to "public morals" to prosecute individuals engaged in same-sex acts.
This legal ambiguity has resulted in discrimination, violence, and even fatal attacks against the LGBTQ community.
Human rights group Amnesty International has criticized the directive, asserting that it could exacerbate the already dire situation for LGBTQ individuals in Iraq.
Aya Majzoub, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty, condemned the directive as a "dangerous move" that could fuel discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ community.
The organization has called on Iraqi authorities to reverse the decision and uphold the principles of freedom of expression and non-discrimination for all individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
Cultural And Religious Influences
Attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals in the Arab world are often shaped by a complex interplay of cultural and religious factors.
Islamic texts, including the Quran and hadiths, express strong disapproval of same-sex relationships. Some hadiths even advocate for the death penalty in cases of public engagement in homosexual activities.
Numerous Muslim-majority nations have historically opposed efforts to advance LGBTQ rights on the global stage.
This resistance is evident in their stance at the United Nations, where coalitions of Muslim-majority countries have opposed LGBTQ-related initiatives.
In some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iran, Mauritania, and the United Arab Emirates, homosexual acts are punishable by death.
Continued Challenges For LGBTQ Rights
Even in countries where homosexuality is legally permissible, such as Jordan, LGBTQ individuals often face discrimination, violence, and hostility.
LGBTQ venues are frequently targeted and shuttered, and patrons are subjected to various forms of mistreatment.
The Iraqi Media Commission's directive represents a significant setback for LGBTQ rights within the country, raising concerns about the erosion of freedom of expression and the potential for increased harm to an already vulnerable community.
As international scrutiny intensifies, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in many parts of the world.
Final Words
The directive issued by Iraq's Media and Communications Commission restricting LGBTQ terminology reflects a broader struggle for LGBTQ rights in the region.
As global attention focuses on the situation, concerns about freedom of expression and human rights take center stage.
The complex interplay of cultural, religious, and legal factors continues to shape attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals in the Arab world.
While some countries make progress in recognizing LGBTQ rights, challenges persist. The plight of LGBTQ communities extends beyond legal frameworks, often encompassing discrimination, violence, and social hostility.
The Iraqi directive serves as a stark reminder of the uphill battle that advocates for LGBTQ rights face, both in Iraq and across the globe.
As efforts to promote inclusivity and acceptance persist, the path toward equality remains a complex and challenging one.
Suleman Shah
Author
Suleman Shah is a researcher and freelance writer. As a researcher, he has worked with MNS University of Agriculture, Multan (Pakistan) and Texas A & M University (USA). He regularly writes science articles and blogs for science news website immersse.com and open access publishers OA Publishing London and Scientific Times. He loves to keep himself updated on scientific developments and convert these developments into everyday language to update the readers about the developments in the scientific era. His primary research focus is Plant sciences, and he contributed to this field by publishing his research in scientific journals and presenting his work at many Conferences.
Shah graduated from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (Pakistan) and started his professional carrier with Jaffer Agro Services and later with the Agriculture Department of the Government of Pakistan. His research interest compelled and attracted him to proceed with his carrier in Plant sciences research. So, he started his Ph.D. in Soil Science at MNS University of Agriculture Multan (Pakistan). Later, he started working as a visiting scholar with Texas A&M University (USA).
Shah’s experience with big Open Excess publishers like Springers, Frontiers, MDPI, etc., testified to his belief in Open Access as a barrier-removing mechanism between researchers and the readers of their research. Shah believes that Open Access is revolutionizing the publication process and benefitting research in all fields.
Han Ju
Reviewer
Hello! I'm Han Ju, the heart behind World Wide Journals. My life is a unique tapestry woven from the threads of news, spirituality, and science, enriched by melodies from my guitar. Raised amidst tales of the ancient and the arcane, I developed a keen eye for the stories that truly matter. Through my work, I seek to bridge the seen with the unseen, marrying the rigor of science with the depth of spirituality.
Each article at World Wide Journals is a piece of this ongoing quest, blending analysis with personal reflection. Whether exploring quantum frontiers or strumming chords under the stars, my aim is to inspire and provoke thought, inviting you into a world where every discovery is a note in the grand symphony of existence.
Welcome aboard this journey of insight and exploration, where curiosity leads and music guides.
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