Iraq’s Controversial Bill Sparks Outrage Over Child Marriage Proposal

A proposed bill in Iraq’s parliament to lower the legal marriage age for girls to 9 years old has ignited widespread criticism and concern, threatening decades of progress in women’s rights.

Key Points

• Iraq’s parliament is considering a bill to lower the legal marriage age for girls to 9 years old.
• The proposed legislation has sparked widespread outrage from human rights organizations and women’s groups.
• Critics argue that the bill would erode decades of progress in gender equality and women’s rights in Iraq.
• The bill allows for the option of religious authorities to decide on family matters, raising fears of increased child marriage and exploitation.
• The bill has resurfaced in parliament despite previous opposition, backed by powerful Shia blocs.

A proposed bill in Iraq’s parliament has ignited widespread outrage, as it seeks to lower the legal age of marriage for girls to just 9 years old. Introduced by the Iraq Justice Ministry, the controversial legislation aims to amend the country’s Personal Status Law, which currently sets the minimum age for marriage at 18. If passed, the bill would also allow citizens to choose whether to have family matters like inheritance, divorce, and child custody decided by religious authorities or the civil judiciary.

The proposal has been met with fierce criticism from human rights organizations, women’s groups, and civil society activists who fear the bill could lead to a sharp increase in child marriages and exploitation. They argue that such a move would reverse decades of progress in advancing women’s rights and gender equality in Iraq. Critics also warn of the detrimental effects on young girls, including interrupted education, early pregnancies, and an increased risk of domestic violence.

According to UNICEF, 28 percent of girls in Iraq are already married before the age of 18. The proposed legislation, if enacted, could further entrench this practice, with opponents warning it would have devastating consequences for young girls’ futures. Sarah Sanbar, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, emphasized that passing this law would signify a regression in Iraq’s progress, stating, “Passing this law would show a country moving backward, not forwards.”

Amal Kabashi of the Iraq Women’s Network also expressed strong opposition, noting that the amendment would significantly expand male dominance over family issues in an already conservative society. The bill, she argued, would erode the principle of equality under Iraqi law and potentially legalize the marriage of girls as young as nine years old, robbing them of their childhood and future prospects.

Despite the significant pushback, the bill has gained support from powerful Shia blocs that dominate the Iraqi parliament. Although earlier efforts to pass similar legislation have failed, the bill resurfaced in an August session, signaling ongoing efforts to push it through.

Proponents of the bill argue that it aims to standardize Islamic law and protect young girls from what they term “immoral relationships.” However, opponents have countered that this reasoning is deeply flawed and overlooks the harsh realities and consequences of child marriage.

The bill’s outcome remains uncertain, but the debate has underscored the ongoing struggle between progressive and conservative forces within Iraq, particularly in the realm of women’s rights. For now, many Iraqis and international observers alike are watching closely to see if this bid to change the law will succeed where previous attempts have failed.