PHOTO[COURTESY]
A proposed bill in Iraq’s parliament has caused significant controversy by suggesting a substantial reduction in the legal marriage age for girls to as young as 9 years old. This controversial bill, introduced by the Iraq Justice Ministry, seeks to amend the country’s Personal Status Law, which currently sets the minimum marriage age at 18.
The bill aims to allow citizens to choose between religious authorities or civil courts for family-related decisions, raising concerns about the potential weakening of rights related to inheritance, divorce, and child custody. Critics argue that the proposal could lead to an increase in child marriages and exploitation, undermining years of progress in women’s rights and gender equality.
Human rights organizations, women’s groups, and civil society advocates have strongly opposed the bill, warning of serious consequences for the education, health, and overall well-being of young girls. They point out that child marriage often leads to higher dropout rates, early pregnancies, and increased domestic violence.
UNICEF reports that 28 percent of girls in Iraq are already married before they reach 18, underscoring the seriousness of the issue. Sarah Sanbar, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, criticized the bill as a step backward, stating, “Passing this law would demonstrate a country moving backward, not forwards.”
Amal Kabashi of the Iraq Women’s Network expressed similar concerns, accusing the amendment of promoting male dominance in family matters in an already conservative society. Although the bill was withdrawn in late July due to widespread opposition, it reappeared on August 4 with support from influential Shia groups in parliament.
The proposed legislation represents a significant departure from the 1959 law, which transferred family law authority from religious figures to the state judiciary. The new bill would reintroduce the option for religious-based legal decisions, primarily reflecting Shia and Sunni Islamic rules, while excluding other religious and sectarian communities in Iraq’s diverse society.
Supporters of the bill argue that it aims to align with Islamic law and protect young girls from “immoral relationships.” However, opponents reject this reasoning as flawed and dismissive of the harsh realities of child marriage. “Girls belong on the playground and in school, not in a wedding dress,” Sanbar added.
The future of this proposed amendment remains uncertain, as it faces strong opposition and follows several failed attempts to change existing marriage laws.
