A bill that could result in up to 15 years in prison for same-sex relationships was approved by the Iraqi parliament on Saturday.
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A 1988 anti-prostitution statute will also be amended to condemn transgender individuals to three years in prison.
During a session when 170 out of 329 lawmakers attended, the legislation was adopted.
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In a prior draft, same-sex relationships were to be punished with death.
However, the new rules give judges the authority to sentence defendants to anywhere from 10 to 15 years in jail.
In addition, they established a minimum seven-year prison sentence for “promoting” same-sex relationships and a one-to three-year sentence for men who “intentionally” behave like women.
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The new law punishes transgender individuals and physicians who conduct gender reassignment surgery with up to three years in prison for “biological sex change based on personal desire and inclination.”