Iraq: Outrage as bill proposes lower marriage age

BAGHDAD: A new bill introduced in Iraq Parliament sparked widespread controversy and outrage by proposing a significant reduction in the legal marriage age.

If passed, the bill would allow girls as young as nine and boys as young as 15 to marry, overturning the current law that sets the minimum age at 18.

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The bill was put forward by the Iraq’s Ministry of Justice. It seeks to give people the option to follow either religious laws or civil courts in family matters.

The proposed legislation drew sharp criticism from human rights groups and women’s organisations, who argue it could lead to a rise in child marriages and exploitation.

They warn that the bill may reverse progress on women’s rights, impacting areas such as inheritance, divorce, and child custody.

The legislation could also negatively affect girls’ education and health, leading to higher dropout rates, early pregnancies, and increased domestic violence.

According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), 28 per cent of Iraqi girls are already married before their 18th birthday.

Proponents of the bill argue that it aims to align marriage laws with religious principles and protect young girls from “immoral relationships.” However, critics contend that this justification fails to address the risks associated with child marriage, including potential harm to the girls’ futures and well-being.

They are concerned that allowing religious authorities to oversee marriage matters could undermine legal equality and erode the rights of young girls.

The bill also seeks to undo changes made by the 1959 law, which transferred authority over family law from religious leaders to state courts. If enacted, it would permit marriages to be officiated by religious authorities and require them to submit a “code of legal rulings” to the Iraqi Parliament.

The move would effectively reintroduce religious influence in family matters, raising concerns about the impact on women’s rights and gender equality.

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Although the bill faced temporary withdrawal in late July due to parliamentary objections, it reemerged in early August with backing from different quarters.

Activists have condemned the proposal as harmful, stressing the need to protect young girls’ rights and futures.