Iraq Marriage Bill: What is Iraq's proposed bill that may reduce girls' marriage age to 9?
Iraq Marriage Bill: A proposed bill in Iraq's parliament has recently sparked intense debate and widespread outrage as it aims to drastically reduce the legal marriage age for girls to just 9 years old. This controversial legislation, introduced by the Iraq Justice Ministry, seeks to amend the nation's existing Personal Status Law, which currently mandates that individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry.
The bill would permit citizens to choose between religious authorities and the civil judiciary to resolve family matters. Critics warn that this could lead to a severe reduction in rights related to inheritance, divorce, and child custody.
If passed, the legislation would permit girls as young as 9 years old and boys as young as 15 years old to enter into marriage. The bill's proponents argue that it respects religious traditions and the diverse cultural practices within Iraq. However, this proposed change has raised alarms about the potential for increased child marriages, exploitation, and abuse.
The bill has faced strong opposition from human rights activists, women's rights organizations, and various civil society groups, who view the proposal as a significant step backward in the fight for gender equality and the protection of children's rights
Meanwhile, supporters of the bill argue that it aims to standardize Islamic law and protect young girls from "immoral relationships." However, critics believe this rationale is flawed, overlooking the severe consequences of child marriage.
The proposed marriage bill in Iraq has become a flashpoint for a broader debate over the role of religion in personal status laws and the protection of women's and children's rights
- With inputs from agencies
