(Adds details and background, paragraphs 2, 3)

       CAIRO, April 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department

said that a law passed by Iraq’s parliament on Saturday

criminalizing same-sex relationships was a threat to human

rights and freedoms and would weaken Iraq’s ability to diversify

its economy and attract foreign investment.

    "This amendment threatens those most at risk in Iraqi

society. It can be used to hamper free-speech and expression and

inhibit the operations of NGOs across Iraq," a State Department

statement said.

    Iraq's parliament passed a law on Saturday criminalizing

same-sex relationships with a maximum 15-year prison sentence,

saying the move aimed to uphold religious values. Rights

advocates condemned the law as the latest attack on the LGBT

community in Iraq.

(Reporting by Timour Azhari; Editing by David Gregorio)

((ahmed.tolba@thomsonreuters.com; +20223948100;))