Recently, it has been reported that the Iraqi Parliament is contemplating an amendment to the bill which could drastically lower the date for marriage of brides to nine years old. This would mean males being able to get married after the age of fifteen. This bill is a proposal to change the existing Personal Status Law, which establishes the minimum age of marriage to be 18. The implications of this modification are significant, causing grave concerns over the possibility of legalized exploitation as well as what is being referred to as “child rape.”
How has the General Public Reacted?
The bill’s draft has triggered intense opposition by women’s rights and human rights groups, both in Iraq as well as internationally. As per reports, despite the law against marriage between children in Iraq, UNICEF notes that 28 per cent of girls Iraq get married before reaching the age of 18. This proposal’s resurgence has led to a wave of protests in which activists and people alike protest the proposal as they see it as an unjust move, which may endanger the safety of children.
What challenges are women MPs Faced with?
The fight at the Parliamentary level is gender-specific and female lawmakers expressing their displeasure against the backdrop of strong opposition from a few of their male counterparts. Alia Nassif, a prominent vocal opponent who criticizes the backing of this bill from male MPs who she believes have preoccupation with traditional norms of patriarchy over the wellbeing of children. The partisanship in the Parliament underscores the continuing struggle to achieve gender equality in the legislative process.
What are the bigger implications from the Bill?
The bill isn’t just about changing the age of marriage; it suggests broader changes that can alter the legal framework for family-related issues in Iraq. One of the most important features of the bill is that it allows people to select between the religious authority or civil tribunals to decide family matters which include inheritance. The choice raises questions regarding the consistency of application of laws as well as the potential to have different interpretations, based upon religious convictions and beliefs, which can lead to confusion and injustices that could arise regarding the family law.
What are the reasons for these changes being Reported Now?
The return of the legislation, which is backed by strong Shia factions early in August, is a major departure from the legislation passed in 1959 which transferred the responsibility of making decisions regarding family matters away from religious leaders to the judiciary of the state. Some observers suggest that the demand for the changes are in response to the rising power of women and other militant groups in the societal as well as political arenas, especially due to the youth-led protests that took place during the year 2019. Nadia Mahmood, co-founder of the Aman Women’s Alliance, argues that these changes in the political sphere attempt by authorities to limit the growing influence and role of women within Iraqi society.
What are the possible effects On Women and Society?
If they are passed, the changes made by the draft bill may have a retrograde impact on women’s rights as well as children’s rights in Iraq. In lowering the age of marriage, Iraq would be stepping away from international standards and human rights norms which protect children and encourage gender equality. It could be detrimental to the lives of both young both boys and girls, but it could can also establish a worrying precedent, which could undermine decades of progress on the rights of women and their empowerment within the area.
The discussion over the proposed bill marks a crucial time for the future of Iraq, making clear the necessity for constant advocacy and ongoing global attention to ensure the rights and wellbeing of everyone, including young girls are secured. If the current situation continues to evolve it is crucial to keep track of the response from the Iraqi civil society and from the international community as they have a key role to play in either the development or removal of this controversial legal issue.