Actions | Gay Rights

Investigate Violence Toward LGBT Citizens of Iraq

To: The President of the United States, The U.S. Senate and The U.S. House

In recent weeks, reports have surfaced that the LGBT community in Iraq is facing dire safety concerns, with many reportedly scheduled to be executed by the Iraqi government. The situation in Iraq has gotten so egregious for LGBT citizens, an underground network has started to escort gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Iraqis out of the country.

These abuses need to be investigated by the U.S. government. As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said during her recent trip to Europe: "Human rights is and always will be one of the pillars of our foreign policy. And in particular, the persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something that we take very seriously. It is terribly unfortunate that right now in unfortunately many places in the world violence against gays and lesbians, certainly discrimination and prejudice are not just occurring but condoned and protected. And we would hope that over the next few years we could have some influence in trying to change those attitudes..."

The U.S. has the power to help change these attitudes in Iraq, and we should focus on doing so before one more LGBT Iraqi is sentenced to die.

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Please investigate LGBT rights abuses in Iraq

Dear Representative,

In recent weeks, reports have surfaced that the safety situation for LGBT Iraqis has grown increasingly dire. One UK-based organization, "Iraqi-LGBT," has said that more than 120 LGBT Iraqis are awaiting execution by the Iraqi government, while the Guardian has reported that an underground network has formed to help escort LGBT Iraqi citizens out of the country, for fear that their lives are in danger.

Given the role that the U.S. currently plays in Iraq, these allegations cannot go ignored by the U.S. government. As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said during her recent visit to Europe: "Human rights is and always will be one of the pillars of our foreign policy. And in particular, the persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something that we take very seriously. It is terribly unfortunate that right now in unfortunately many places in the world violence against gays and lesbians, certainly discrimination and prejudice are not just occurring but condoned and protected. And we would hope that over the next few years we could have some influence in trying to change those attitudes."

As someone committed to making sure that the U.S. regains its reputation as a champion for human rights in this world, please investigate these allegations of LGBT rights abuse in Iraq. With the Obama administration's recent signing of a UN statement condemning criminalization of homosexuality, as well as Secretary of State Clinton's comments above, the U.S. should see to it that discrimination and violence committed against LGBT people in Iraq comes to an end.

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