The Communications and Media Commission in Iraq stated yesterday, Tuesday, that it has "ordered" all media outlets and social media companies operating in the country not to use the term "homosexuality" and to use the actual term "sexual deviation" instead.

The Commission also added in a statement that it decided to "prohibit the use of the terms gender, gender identity, and homosexuality in all communications related to the Commission due to the negative connotations of these terms in Iraqi society."

It stated in the announcement that it was decided to prohibit all companies licensed by the Commission for mobile phone services, internet, and others from promoting these terms by using them in their applications and programs.

The announcement indicated that the Communications and Media Commission directs not to "use the term homosexuality and to use the actual term sexual deviation."

A government spokesperson stated that the penalty for violating this decision has not yet been determined but may consist of a fine.