A proposed bill in Iraq’s parliament aiming to lower the legal marriage age for girls to 9 has provoked widespread outrage. Introduced by the Justice Ministry, the bill seeks to amend the Personal Status Law, which currently sets the minimum age at 18.
The bill would allow marriage for girls as young as 9 and boys as young as 15, and permit citizens to choose between religious authorities or civil courts for family matters. Critics fear this will reduce rights related to inheritance, divorce, and child custody, and lead to increased child marriage and exploitation.
Human rights organizations and activists warn of severe impacts on girls’ education, health, and safety, citing risks of early pregnancies and domestic violence. According to UNICEF, 28% of girls in Iraq are already married before 18.
The bill, reintroduced in August after initial withdrawal, has been condemned for undermining gender equality and reintroducing religious rules into family law. Proponents argue it aims to standardize Islamic law, but opponents say it threatens the futures of many young girls.
