Gay persecution in Iraq growing

BAGHDAD, April 13 (UPI) -- Supporters of the gay community in Iraq say the lack of government attention to a spate of murders is tantamount to tacit approval of violence.

The improved security situation in Iraq has prompted some members of the gay community to meet under certain circumstances in public, London newspaper The Independent reported. With Islam taking a negative stance on homosexuality, however, that openness was met with sweeping condemnation by several Iraqi clerics who called for its eradication.

Those calls were greeted with a surge of attacks on gay men, as several were found dead in Sadr City recently with the Arabic word for "pervert" written across their chest, the newspaper reported.

Iraqi authorities have also raided several tolerant businesses, arresting scores of individuals.

"Most of the people who are arrested are found dead, with signs of torture and burns," Ali Hili of the Iraqi Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender group told The Independent. "We believe a war has been launched by the Iraqi government and its establishment against gay people."

Meanwhile, Amnesty International, which is expected to raise the issue with the Iraqi government Monday, said it is time for Iraq to embrace sexual tolerance as part of its reconciliation efforts.

"The gay community in Iraq deserves protection, and that means their leaders need to stand up for them," Amnesty's Niall Couper told The Independent.