State Department Condemns Gay Abuse in Iraq

Today, during a press conference, a high-ranking State Department spokesman issued a statement condemning violence and abuse against gays in Iraq.
“In general, we absolutely condemn acts of violence and human rights violations committed against individuals in Iraq because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Ian Kelly said.

“This is an issue that we’ve been following very closely since we have been made aware of these allegations, and we are aware of the allegations,” Kelly told reporters when asked about anti-gay violence in Iraq.

“Our training for Iraqi security forces includes instruction on the proper observance of human rights,” Kelly added.

“Human rights training is also a very important part of our and other international donors’ civilian capacity-building efforts in Iraq… And the US embassy in Baghdad has raised, and will continue to raise, the issue with senior officials from the government of Iraq, and has urged them to respond appropriately to all credible reports of violence against gay and lesbian Iraqis,” said Kelly.