Iraq Bans Use of ‘Homosexual’ Word on All Media, Social Media: Here’s What to Use Instead

Iraq has officially banned the word 'homosexual' in media and on social media platforms.

However, the official media regulator in Iraq has yet to get its final approval.

Iraq Bans 'Homosexual' Term on All Media and Social Media

Iraq Homosexual — Shiite Muslim devotees self-flagellate over an unfurled banner on the ground depicting the Pride rainbow flag defaced with a boot and the Arabic slogan "no to homosexual society" as they participate in a mourning procession during the ten-day period at the start of the Muslim month of Muharram ahead of Ashura, in remembrance of the seventh century killing of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein, in the city of Nasiriyah in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province on July 25, 2023. ASAAD NIAZI/AFP via Getty Images

As per CBS News, Iraq has boldly banned the term 'homosexual' across all media and social media platforms. Iraq's Media and Communications Commission, the country's media regulator, now asks social media services to stop using "homosexual" and "homosexuality" terms.

The government's directive states that instead of using the term 'homosexual,' media outlets and individuals are encouraged to employ the phrase "sexual deviancy."

Iraq's decision to ban the use of the term 'homosexual' stems from its cultural and religious beliefs and broader societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ issues. The government contends that the term 'homosexual' does not align with their values and seeks to use language that aligns more closely with their cultural norms.

CBS reports that the Media and Communications Commission says the recent ban seeks to protect the country's public order and societal values. On top of that, the media regulator also pointed out that these terms contain negative connotations.

In a statement, the Iraq regulator "directs media organizations not to use the term "homosexuality" and to use the correct term "sexual deviance." However, a government representative admitted that the penalty for violating the detective has yet to be determined. But violators would most likely have to pay a fine.

Is Gay Sex Illegal in Iraq?

The latest ban is a further sign of the growing intolerance towards LGBT people in Iraq. According to NBC News, gay sex is not technically illegal in the Iraqi nation. However, the country considers it immoral under its penal code. Thus, this measure has been used to target LGBTQ+ community members.

The Hill reports that the Iraqi penal code loosely forbids "immodest acts" in public. And as such, Human Rights Watch argued that it is "a vague provision that could be used to target sexual and gender minorities."

A Human Right Watch (HRW) research in Iraq, published in 2021, shows that domestic violence targeting gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people is rampant in the country. In a more recent report, the HRW accused several armed gangs in the country are killing, raping, abducting, and torturing members of the LGBTQ+ community.

CBS News reports that Arab countries primarily base their treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals on their religious beliefs.

It is worth noting that Islamic texts, such as the Quran, include anecdotes, citing Prophet Muhammad, which condemn same-sex affairs.