Iraq is moving forward with legal amendments to its marriage laws, which would allow men to marry girls as young as nine. The proposed changes also include depriving women of important rights, such as the right to divorce, child custody, and inheritance. Under the new law, citizens would have the choice to settle family matters through either religious authorities or civil courts.
The amendments are being pushed by the conservative government, which is led by a coalition of Shia parties. They argue that the changes are necessary to protect young girls from "immoral relationships" and that they are in line with a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. Despite these claims, the proposals have faced significant opposition, especially from Iraqi women’s groups, who argue that the law would harm women’s rights and further limit their freedoms.
The bill, known as "Law 188," was originally considered one of the most progressive family laws in the Middle East when it was introduced in 1959, providing guidelines for families regardless of religious sect. However, the new amendments are seen as a step back in terms of women’s rights.
Child marriage is already a widespread issue in Iraq, with UNICEF reporting that 28% of girls are married before the age of 18. Experts warn that these proposed changes would likely worsen the situation, putting more girls at risk of early marriage and limiting their opportunities for education and empowerment.
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