Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Ashamed Families Behind Killings of Gay Iraqis

25 killed in past two months, say Sadr City locals

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 8, 2009 9:35 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – As security improves in Iraq, gay residents have embraced a new sense of freedom—and as a result, some 25 males thought to be homosexual have been murdered in Baghdad’s Sadr City in the past two months, the New York Times reports. The victims are usually found shot, sometimes with notes labeling them “perverts”—and the perpetrators are often ashamed family members, said a police chief.

In 2005, Iraq’s leading Shiite cleric called for the deaths of gays, and killing teams have likely been involved, says an official. But “our investigation has found that these incidents are being committed by relatives of the gays—not just because of the militias,” he said. “They are killing them because it is a shame on the family,” which often won’t cooperate with investigators or claim the bodies.

People attend Friday prayers in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, April 3, 2009.
People attend Friday prayers in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, April 3, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Followers of radical Shiite Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr attend Friday prayers in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, April 3, 2009.
Followers of radical Shiite Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr attend Friday prayers in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, April 3, 2009.   (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)
This 2004 file photo shows Iraqi Shiite Muslims marching in support of Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who has condemned gays.
This 2004 file photo shows Iraqi Shiite Muslims marching in support of Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who has condemned gays.   (AP Photo)
Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Husseini Al-Sistani, is seen in this 2004 image taken from television.
Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Husseini Al-Sistani, is seen in this 2004 image taken from television.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Sphinx
Apr 9, 2009 7:49 AM CDT
Honor crimes need to be dealt with internationally, no matter who they involve. Laws should reflect the fact that this murder, no matter the motive
Robert_Dada
Apr 8, 2009 5:04 AM CDT
uh, no shit - but he is the one you created the Iraq problem in the first place by lying to get us there with no realistic plan whatsoever to get us back out.
Robert_Dada
Apr 8, 2009 3:59 AM CDT
My God. Homosexuals having their civil rights suppressed, subject to vicious name calling and sometimes even violent murder? My God, we HAVE created American 'democracy' in Iraq. Mission Accomplished!

San Francisco residents protest killings
ABC 7

 
Iraq • families • Sadr City • murder • homosexuality • gays

More Newser Stories

Man Fined After Anti-Gay Facebook Post

'Gay Nativity' Vandalized in California

'Not Gay Enough' Ballplayers Win Settlement

Homophobia Pervades Penn State Scandal

Anglican Paper Compares Gay Activists to Nazis
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne