Is Iraq Trying To Legalize Child Marriage, Endorse Paedophilia?

Baghdad: Human Rights activists have raised an alarm as Iraq has introduced a bill that may cut down the age of marriage to nine for girls and 15 for boys. Activists fear that the bill would roll back women’s rights in an already patriarchal society.

The bill, according to AFP, will allow citizens to choose between religious authorities or the civil judiciary for decisions on family matters. Critics claimed that this bill could drastically reduce protections in areas such as inheritance, divorce, and child custody.

Present of marriage in Iraq is 18 years

Currently, the minimum age for marriage for both girls and boys is set 18 years under the 1959 Personal Status Law. The present law shifted family matters from religious to state jurisdiction. Passed after the fall of Iraqui monarchy, it was seen as a cornerstone of women’s rights in Iraq. The new bill is supported by conservative Shiite Muslim deputies. The new bill is especially for Shiite and Sunni muslims and does not mention other religions or sects in Iraq, according to a WION report.

The bill was re-introduced on August 4

After facing opposition in late July, the bill was temporarily withdrawn. But, it was again re-introduced on August 4 with support from powerful Shiite blocs in the Iraqi Parliament. Lawmaker Raed al-Maliki, who introduced the bill, had argued that ‘the objections come from those with a malicious agenda that seeks to deny a significant portion of the Iraqi population the right to have their personal status determined by their beliefs,’ reported WION.

Widespread opposition to the bill

Amnesty International has opposed the bill. Iraq researcher Razaw Salihy called for the amendments. He warned that these changes to the existing law would create a ‘ring of fire around women and children,’ and jeopardize their futures, according to reports. Several human rights advocates have warned that such religious freedom in law could deny women and girls of their rights and safety.

The bill has also sparked protests, with activists planning to intensify the demonstrations in Baghdad to oppose the bill. According to UNICEF, 28% of girls in Iraq are already married before 18 years of age.