Iraq Implements Ban on Term 'Homosexuality' in Media, Mandates Use of 'Sexual Deviance'

Iraq's official media regulator, the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), has ordered all media and social media companies operating in the country to refrain from using the term "homosexuality" and instead use "sexual deviance." The use of the term "gender" has also been banned. While Iraq does not explicitly criminalize gay sex, loosely defined morality clauses in its penal code have been used to target the LGBT community. The decision still requires final approval, and a penalty for violating the rule has not yet been determined.