(Image source from: AP)
The Iraqi parliament has proposed a highly contentious bill that seeks to lower the legal age of marriage for girls to just 9 years old. This controversial legislation, introduced by the Ministry of Justice, aims to amend the country's Personal Status Law, which currently sets the minimum marriage age at 18. The bill would allow citizens to choose between religious authorities or the civil judicial system to decide on family-related matters. Critics fear this could lead to a significant rollback of rights in areas such as inheritance, divorce, and child custody. If enacted, the bill would permit girls as young as 9 and boys as young as 15 to wed, stoking concerns about a surge in child marriage and exploitation. Critics argue that this regressive measure would undermine decades of progress in promoting women's rights and gender equality. Human rights organizations, women's groups, and civil society activists have vehemently opposed the bill, warning of serious consequences for the education, health, and well-being of young girls. They contend that child marriage often results in higher dropout rates, early pregnancies, and an increased risk of domestic violence.
The proposed amendment to Iraq's family law has sparked heated debates. Critics argue that it represents a regressive step, undermining the progress made since the fall of the Iraqi monarchy in 1959. The law would restore the influence of religious figures in family matters, primarily favoring Shia and Sunni Islamic practices, while neglecting the diverse religious and sectarian communities within Iraq. Proponents claim the bill aims to standardize Islamic law and protect young girls, but opponents dismiss this reasoning as flawed, asserting that it disregards the harsh realities of child marriage. Human rights advocates express strong opposition, warning that the law would grant men undue control over family issues in an already conservative society. The amendment's withdrawal and subsequent reintroduction in Parliament highlight the divisive nature of this proposed change, which threatens to erode the hard-won gains in women's and children's rights.
The proposed legislation poses a grave concern, as it may permit the marriage of girls as young as nine years old, depriving them of their childhoods and jeopardizing their well-being. Girls should be free to enjoy their youth, playing on the playground and pursuing education, not burdened with the responsibilities of marriage. It remains uncertain whether this latest attempt to modify the law will succeed, where previous efforts have fallen short.
