Polis, Baldwin, Frank Call on State Department to Investigate Persecution of LGBT Iraqis

Press Release

Representatives Jared Polis (D-CO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Barney Frank (D-MA), joined by 38 of their colleagues, today sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asking that the U.S. State Department work with the Iraqi government, human rights organizations and the United Nations to end the executions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Iraqis.

"While the execution of LGBT Iraqis may not be approved at the highest levels of government, the persecution of Iraqis because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable regardless of whether these policies are extrajudicial or state-sanctioned. Given the close nature of the relationship between the United States and Iraqi governments, we feel it is imperative that the U.S. government take these allegations seriously and work with the Iraqi government to address this urgent humanitarian crisis," said the Members in the letter.

"The United States has a clear role to play in ending this injustice--a role we assumed when we invested billions of dollars and priceless lives into building peace and democracy in Iraq," said Congressman Polis. "We cannot allow atrocities of this kind to happen on our watch. Secretary Clinton is a world renowned advocate for the LGBT community and I am confident that under her guidance the State Department will help bring an end to the persecution of LGBT Iraqis and ensure the safety of LGBT refugees worldwide."

"Abuses against any individuals, in any part of the world, because of their sexual orientation or gender identity must not be tolerated," said Congresswoman Baldwin. "As Americans, we have an obligation to speak out against such crimes and work to prevent them. Reports linking Iraqi government officials to the detention and execution of dozens of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Iraqis are especially troubling because of our nation's on-going efforts and sacrifices to promote democracy in that country. We ask Secretary Clinton to quickly investigate and address these concerns," Baldwin said.

"While I opposed the U.S. military intervention in Iraq, it is a fact which makes us responsible in part for the persecution of gays and lesbians in that country, unless we act to oppose it," said Congressman Frank.

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