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Capital city in Baghdad Governorate, Iraq

Is Baghdad LGBTQ+ friendly?

Updated October 2026Sources
1/5Dangerous

Is Baghdad LGBTQ+ friendly?

Same-sex relations carry 10–15 years in prison under the 2024 law, and militias have attacked LGBTQ+ people. There is no safe scene.

LGBTQ+ laws in Iraq

Militias have attacked LGBTQ+ people and blackmail is common. There is no safe visible scene anywhere in Iraq.

Status
Same-sex relationships legalNo
Same-sex marriageNo
Civil unions or partnershipsNo
Legal gender changeNo
Anti-discrimination lawNo
Legal penalty10–15 years in prison; 'promotion' up to 7 years (2024 law).

LGBTQ+ friendliness across Iraq

PlaceRating
Baghdad1/5 · Dangerous
Erbil1/5 · Dangerous
Karbala1/5 · Dangerous

Quick answers

Is Baghdad safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Same-sex relations carry 10–15 years in prison under the 2024 law, and militias have attacked LGBTQ+ people. There is no safe scene.

Is same-sex marriage legal in Iraq?

No.

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Sources

Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.