Iraq’s Parliament Faces Backlash Over Proposed Amendments Threatening Women’s Rights

On Monday, Iraq’s parliament postponed a controversial vote on amendments to the Personal Status Law, which includes proposals that could reduce the legal marriage age to as young as nine. The suggested modifications have sparked extensive protests and criticism from women’s rights organizations, which caution that this action could undermine years of advancements in safeguarding women and girls.

Iraq’s Personal Status Law currently establishes the minimum age for marriage at 18, though it permits exceptions for marriages at 15 with the necessary court and parental consent. The recent amendments would empower religious councils to implement their interpretations of Islamic law, which could lead to a further reduction in the age.

Critics, such as Amnesty International, caution that the changes may legitimize child marriage, weaken protections for women, and heighten the risks of abuse. “This law legalizes child rape,” stated a protester in Baghdad, capturing the intense public outrage regarding the proposals.

Protests have emerged throughout Iraq, as activists and women’s organizations call on lawmakers to dismiss the amendments. There is a widespread concern that the changes may unfairly impact girls, depriving them of educational opportunities and increasing their vulnerability to early pregnancies and abuse.

In response to the backlash, Iraq’s parliament has decided to delay the vote until Monday. Advocacy groups are calling on the government to prioritize reforms that tackle systemic violence against women, including the criminalization of marital rape and the removal of “honor” as a defense for acts of violence against women.

The suggested amendments represent a pivotal moment for Iraq, challenging the equilibrium between religious impact and legal safeguards for women's rights in an evolving society.

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