Iraqi lawmakers this week passed three divisive laws, including an amendment that critics say could legalize child marriage.
The amendment introduced changes that allowed religious authorities such as Shiite or Sunni to govern family matters, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and child care. It also abolished a ban on the marriage of children under the age of 18, which had been in place since 1959 under the Personal Status Law.
Currently, the legal minimum age for marriage remains 18 in most cases. However, girls as young as 15 can marry if they are granted judicial approval and parental consent. They must also present medical proof that they have begun puberty and are menstruating. In some cases, children aged 14 can also be married under similar conditions.
Critics are now warning that under specific interpretations of Islamic law, particularly the Jaafari school followed by many Shiite clerics, girls as young as nine could be deemed eligible for marriage.
"We have reached the end of women's rights and the end of children's rights in Iraq," lawyer Mohammed Juma, one of the most prominent critics of the law, said, as quoted by The Guardian.
The law could also increase the number of unregistered marriages, which could prevent women from obtaining government services, getting birth certificates for their children, or claiming their rights to a dowry or inheritance.
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What Do Proponents of the Law Say?
According to AP News, the amendment's proponents, primarily conservative Shiite lawmakers, responded to critics by saying it was necessary to align their laws with Islamic principles and reduce Western influence on their culture.
Council Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani also said the amendment is an "important step in the process of enhancing justice and organizing the daily lives of citizens," KIMA TV reported.
It was noted that the bill was signed into law even after a voting process took place despite not having the minimum number of lawmakers to pass it being present.
Child Marriages in Iraq
Child marriages remain a significant issue in Iraq, with 28% of girls married before the age of 18. At least 22% of unregistered marriages also involved girls under the age of 14, per the Human Rights Watch.
Children who are married at a young age are also at higher risk of domestic violence, lack of access to proper education, and limited economic opportunities.
