Iraq passes harsh anti-LGBTQ+ law imposing up to 15 years in prison, drawing backlash
PBS NewsHourMAY 2024
This amendment flagrantly undermines women’s and girls’ rights by not only puhing nine year olds into marriages, but also removing protections in divorce and weakening inheritance rights. If passed, Iraq will have breached its obligations under international human rights treaties like CEDAW and CRC. The government must reconsider this terrible idea.
What makes this so tragic is that Iraq, while not perfect, was not like this before the 2003 US invasion: neighborhoods were vibrant, families were together, and both boys and girls went to school. Unfortunately, in its arrogant pursuit of killing Saddam Hussein, the US government ripped Iraq apart, leaving it open for radical factions to take over the government.
There is a 42% chance that Iraq will experience a civil war before 2036, according to the Metaculus prediction community.