The Volokh Conspiracy

Mostly law professors | Sometimes contrarian | Often libertarian | Always independent

About The Volokh Conspiracy Editorial Independence Who we are Books Volokh Daily Email Archives Search DMCA RSS

American Can't Sue Iraq and Lebanon for Allegedly Anti-Gay Policies

"Plaintiff claims that these policies and laws 'have been exported to the United States through their nationals' and 'have directly caused catastrophic harm to Plaintiff, a gay United States citizen residing in Wayne County, Michigan.'"

Eugene Volokh | 5.26.2026 4:17 PM

From Alshara v. Republic of Iraq, decided today by Judge Linda Parker (E.D. Mich.):

Pursuant to § 1915(e)(2), the Court is required to sua sponte dismiss a complaint filed [in forma pauperis, i.e., as an indigent litigant who can't afford a filing fee -EV] before service on a defendant if it determines that the action is frivolous or malicious, fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, or seeks monetary relief against a defendant who is immune from such relief….

In the Complaint, Plaintiff states that he is seeking to hold Iraq and Lebanon liable for their anti-LGBTQ policies, legislation, and systematic state-sponsored persecution. Plaintiff claims that these policies and laws "have been exported to the United States through their nationals" and "have directly caused catastrophic harm to Plaintiff, a gay United States citizen residing in Wayne County, Michigan." Plaintiff's family members, who are nationals........

© Reason.com