Abstract
In Iraq, militias are targeting men suspected to be homosexual or not “manly” enough in a killing campaign without reaction of any government. The US has a responsibility to enforce international human rights laws in order to prevent a sexual cleansing in the country after the withdrawal of its troops.
It is important to understand the socio-religious background of Iraq in order to deal with the issue of homosexuality. First, homosexuality is a religious concern because for most Islamic scholars, the Qur'anic verses disapprove of homosexuality. They use several passages of the Qu'ran, the central text of Islam, to prove that homosexuality is a sin.
For instance, they often mention the story of the “people of Lot”, destroyed by Allah because of their homosexual practice. Additionally, homosexuality is perceived as a violation of the natural order and the human values of the Iraqi society. Homosexuals in Iraq are traditionally represented as men who behave like women, serving as an object of male sexual gratification. It is a common belief that humans are naturally heterosexuals and that, consequently, homosexuals suffer from mental disorders. Gay people are also accused of transmitting diseases such as AIDS. The comments of Dr Muzammil Siddiqi, a prominent American theologian and Islamic scholar, summarize the Iraqi idea of homosexuality: “homosexuality is a moral disorder. It is a moral disease, a sin and corruption […] No person is born homosexual, just like no one is born thief, a liar or murderer. People acquire these evil habits due to a lack of proper guidance and education ”. In Iraq, homosexuality is a shame, a humiliation and provokes social disgrace. For this reason, homosexuals are often victims of “honor killings” in which they are accused by a member of their family of bringing dishonor on them and murdered.
