Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Iraq's Proposed Law Could Allow Child Marriage, Deepen Sectarian Divisions

A new amendment to Iraq's personal status law may permit girls as young as nine to marry and undermine women's rights.

Protesters take part in a demonstration against the draft of the "Al-Jafaari" Personal Status Law during International Women's Day in Baghdad, March 8, 2014. The sign reads, "Women are not for sale or purchase." REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani
A woman holds a sign protesting women being deprived of their rights in marriage in Tahrir Square, Baghdad, Iraq, August 8, 2024.
Iraqi women demonstrate against underage marriage in Tahrir Square in central Baghdad on Aug. 8, 2024, amid parliamentary discussions over a proposed amendment to the Iraqi Personal Status Law.

Overview

  • The amendment allows Muslim families to choose between civil or religious law for family matters.
  • Critics fear the law will legalize child marriage and erode women's rights.
  • The proposal has sparked protests from civil society and women's groups.
  • Experts warn the law could institutionalize sectarian divisions in Iraq.
  • The amendment must be debated in parliament before a vote can take place.