In recent developments, Iraq’s parliament has introduced a highly controversial bill that could drastically alter the legal landscape for marriage in the country. The proposed legislation, if passed, would reduce the legal age of marriage for girls to just 9 years old, a move that has sparked widespread outrage both domestically and internationally. Introduced by the Iraq Justice Ministry, the bill seeks to amend the country’s Personal Status Law, which currently sets the minimum age for marriage at 18. This shift has raised significant concerns among human rights organizations and activists who fear the long-term implications for women’s rights and gender equality in Iraq. The bill’s impact could be far-reaching, affecting countless young lives in a nation already grappling with deep-rooted social issues.
Widespread Backlash
The proposed bill has faced fierce opposition from various segments of Iraqi society, including human rights organizations, women’s groups, and civil society activists. Critics argue that lowering the legal age of marriage to 9 for girls and 15 for boys would lead to an increase in child marriages, exacerbating existing problems such as early pregnancies, domestic violence, and school dropouts. According to UNICEF, 28 percent of girls in Iraq are already married before the age of 18, and this bill could potentially worsen the situation.
Amal Kabashi, a prominent figure in the Iraq Women’s Network, voiced her strong opposition to the bill, highlighting the dangerous precedent it could set in an already conservative society. Kabashi emphasized that the amendment would grant significant power to male figures over family issues, further marginalizing women and young girls.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also condemned the bill, with researcher Sarah Sanbar stating that its passage would signal a regression in the country’s progress towards gender equality. “Passing this law would show a country moving backward, not forwards,” Sanbar remarked. She further argued that the bill undermines the principle of equality under Iraqi law, potentially legalizing the marriage of girls as young as nine years old and jeopardizing their futures.
Impact on Girls
The potential consequences of the proposed bill are alarming, particularly for young girls in Iraq. If the legal age of marriage is lowered to 9, it could lead to a surge in child marriages, depriving girls of their childhood, education, and future opportunities. Child marriage is known to have devastating effects on young girls, including increased dropout rates from school, early pregnancies, and a higher risk of domestic violence.
The bill’s proponents argue that it aims to standardize Islamic law and protect young girls from “immoral relationships.” However, critics counter that this reasoning is deeply flawed and ignores the harsh realities faced by child brides. The amendment, they argue, would effectively legalize the exploitation of young girls, placing them in vulnerable positions where they are unable to make informed decisions about their own lives.
UNICEF and other child rights organizations have long warned about the dangers of child marriage, emphasizing the need for protective laws that ensure the well-being and development of young girls. The proposed legislation in Iraq stands in stark contrast to these efforts, threatening to undo decades of progress in promoting women’s rights and gender equality.
Religious Authority
A significant aspect of the proposed bill is its provision allowing citizens to choose between religious authorities or the civil judiciary to decide on family affairs. This shift marks a departure from the 1959 legislation that transferred family law authority from religious figures to the state judiciary. The bill would reintroduce the option to apply religious rules, primarily from Shia and Sunni Islam, but does not account for other religious or sectarian communities within Iraq’s diverse population.
Opponents of the bill argue that this change could lead to further inequality and discrimination, as it grants religious authorities significant power over personal matters such as marriage, divorce, and child custody. By giving power over marriage to religious figures, the amendment could undermine the principle of equality under Iraqi law and exacerbate existing social divides.
Sarah Sanbar of HRW expressed concern that the bill could legalize child marriage and strip young girls of their rights and opportunities. “Girls belong on the playground and in school, not in a wedding dress,” she said, highlighting the need for protective measures that prioritize the well-being of children.
Uncertain Future
As of now, the fate of the proposed bill remains uncertain. In late July, the legislation was withdrawn from consideration after strong objections from several lawmakers. However, it resurfaced in an August 4 session, gaining support from powerful Shia blocs that dominate the Iraqi parliament. It is unclear whether this bid to change the law will succeed where previous attempts have failed, but the widespread backlash suggests that the road ahead may be challenging.
The controversy surrounding the bill has brought renewed attention to the issue of child marriage in Iraq and the broader struggle for women’s rights in the region. As the debate continues, the voices of human rights organizations, activists, and concerned citizens will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome and ensuring that the rights and futures of young girls are protected.
In a country already facing significant social and political challenges, the proposed bill represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for gender equality and the protection of children’s rights. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether Iraq will move forward or take a step back in its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all its citizens.