Baghdad, Iraq – A proposed amendment to Iraq’s Personal Status Law, which could legalize child marriage, has sparked widespread outrage among activists and citizens alike. The bill, currently under consideration by the Iraqi parliament, has passed its first reading, alarming women’s rights groups who fear a drastic rollback of women’s protections.
If enacted, the legislation would allow marriages for girls as young as nine, a significant departure from the current law, which sets the minimum age at 18. Critics argue that the proposed changes, backed primarily by Islamist Shiite parliamentarians, would grant excessive power to religious clerics and deepen sectarian divisions.
Suhalia Al Assam, a prominent women’s rights activist, expressed shock at the proposal, questioning how politicians would allow such a practice for their own daughters while imposing it on the broader population. The bill has ignited a fierce backlash, with a planned protest scheduled for Thursday in Baghdad.
Human rights defenders accuse lawmakers of prioritizing political interests over the well-being of women and children. The proposed amendments would also grant religious authorities the power to dissolve marriages, bypassing the courts.
The current Personal Status Law, widely regarded as a progressive piece of legislation in the Middle East, was crafted by legal experts and religious leaders. It safeguards women’s rights in areas such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Activists fear that the proposed changes would reverse decades of progress.
A coalition of female MPs has formed to oppose the bill, highlighting concerns about its potential impact on women and children. They have called on fellow lawmakers to reject the legislation and prioritize the protection of Iraqi women.
Observers believe the push for the amendments is linked to a broader political deal involving the passage of an amnesty bill for Sunni prisoners. Critics warn that this package deal could further exacerbate sectarian tensions in Iraq.
