BAGHDAD (NEWSnet/AP) — Human rights groups and diplomats criticized a law that was passed Saturday by Iraq parliament that would impose heavy prison sentences on gay and transgender people.

U.S. Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller said the law “threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society” and “can be used to hamper free-speech and expression.” He warned that the legislation could drive away foreign investment.

Britain Foreign Secretary David Cameron calls it “dangerous and worrying.”

Although homosexuality is taboo in Iraq society, and political leaders have launched anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns, the nation previously had no law criminalizing it.

The legislation imposes a sentence of 10 to 15 years for same-sex relations and a prison term of one to three years for people who undergo or perform gender-transition surgeries and for “intentional practice of effeminacy.”

It also bans any organization that promotes “sexual deviancy,” imposing a sentence of at least seven years and a fine of no less than 10 million dinars (about $7,600).

Iraq officials have defended the law as upholding societal values and portrayed criticisms of it as Western interference.

Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, acting parliamentary speaker, said the vote was “a necessary step to protect the value structure of society” and to “protect our children from calls for moral depravity and homosexuality.”

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