nine years old

Iraq Considers Controversial Bill to Lower Legal Marriage Age to Nine

By Marsh (Edi) Baptise

Baghdad, Iraq – Iraq’s parliament passed contentious amendments to the nation’s personal status law, effectively lowering the legal marriage age for girls to as young as nine years old. The move has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and activists who argue that the new legislation undermines the rights and well-being of women and girls across the country.

The amendments grant religious courts greater authority over family matters, allowing interpretations of Islamic law that permit the marriage of young girls. Critics argue that this legal shift exposes girls to severe physical and psychological harm, stripping them of their childhood and increasing the risk of sexual exploitation and early pregnancies. Many have pointed out that such marriages place young girls in a vulnerable position, with lifelong consequences for their health, education, and overall development.

International human rights groups, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have expressed deep concern over the decision, urging the Iraqi government to reconsider the amendments and align its laws with international conventions on children's rights. According to UNICEF, child marriage can lead to a higher incidence of maternal mortality, domestic violence, and economic dependency, further perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

Opposition within Iraq has also been vocal, with women's rights advocates and progressive lawmakers warning that the amendments could reverse decades of progress made towards gender equality in the country. Many have taken to the streets in protest, calling for the government to uphold the legal framework that previously set the minimum marriage age at 18, with limited exceptions requiring judicial approval.

Proponents of the new law, primarily conservative lawmakers and religious leaders, argue that it aligns legal statutes with traditional and religious practices, which they claim better reflect the values of Iraqi society. They contend that families should have the right to determine appropriate marriage arrangements based on their cultural and religious beliefs.

Despite the heated debate, the law's implementation raises serious questions about its impact on Iraqi society, particularly in rural and impoverished areas where child marriage is already prevalent. Women's rights organizations have vowed to continue their fight against the amendments, advocating for legislative changes that prioritize the rights and well-being of girls and women.

As international pressure mounts and domestic opposition grows, the Iraqi government faces a critical juncture in balancing cultural traditions with the need to protect its most vulnerable citizens. The future of countless young girls hangs in the balance as activists work tirelessly to challenge the controversial amendments and push for reforms that ensure their safety and dignity.