The United States said it was deeply concerned about the Iraqi parliament's passage of an amendment to the anti-prostitution and homosexuality law that threatens human rights and fundamental freedoms protected by the constitution.

The Iraqi parliament on Saturday approved an amendment to the law against prostitution, according to the amendment to the law against prostitution, No. (8) of 1988, homosexuality is considered a crime and anyone who forms a relationship that falls within the framework of "sexual deviation" will be punished.

The State Department said in a statement that it is deeply concerned about legislation passed by the Iraqi parliament that threatens human rights and fundamental freedoms protected by the constitution, threatens the most vulnerable in Iraqi society, and can be used to restrict freedom of expression and prevent the work of civil society organizations throughout Iraq.

"the law weakens Iraq's ability to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment, international trade alliances had previously pointed out that such discrimination in Iraq harms trade and economic growth in the country," it said.

"Respect for human rights and political and economic unity are essential to Iraq's security, stability, and prosperity," the State Department said.