Iraq Parliament to Revisit Controversial Underage Marriage Bill Amid Public Backlash. The Iraq Parliament is preparing to deliberate on a revised version of a controversial bill that could potentially lower the legal marriage age, sparking widespread outcry from human rights organizations and activists.
The proposed amendments have reignited a heated debate on child marriage, gender equality, and the role of religion in legislation.
The Controversial Proposal
At the heart of the controversy is a provision in the original draft bill that would allow individuals as young as 13 to marry under certain conditions, subject to the approval of a guardian and a religious authority. Proponents argue that the law aligns with cultural and religious practices, but critics have denounced it as a step backward for women’s and children’s rights.
The proposed changes aim to modify Iraq’s Personal Status Law, which currently sets the legal marriage age at 18 but allows exceptions for 15-year-olds with judicial consent. The revised bill reportedly includes additional safeguards, though details remain vague, leaving critics unconvinced.
Public Outcry and International Condemnation
News of the bill’s reintroduction has sparked protests across Iraq and drawn condemnation from global human rights organizations. Activists argue that legalizing underage marriage perpetuates cycles of poverty, limits educational opportunities for young girls, and exposes them to higher risks of domestic violence and health complications.
Iraq MPs Postpone Vote On Revised
“The proposed law is a violation of children’s rights and a regression for Iraqi society,” said Hanaa Edwar, a prominent women’s rights advocate. “We should be working to eradicate child marriage, not institutionalize it.”
The United Nations has also expressed concern, urging Iraqi lawmakers to uphold international conventions on the rights of children and women, to which Iraq is a signatory.
Supporters Defend the Bill
Supporters of the bill argue that it provides a legal framework for existing cultural practices and aims to regulate marriages that might otherwise occur unofficially. Some religious leaders and lawmakers have defended the proposal, claiming it respects Iraq’s diverse religious traditions.
“This law is about protecting families and ensuring that marriages are recognized and regulated,” said a member of Parliament backing the bill. “It is not about promoting child marriage, but about safeguarding cultural norms within legal parameters.”
This perspective, however, has done little to quell opposition. Critics counter that the bill undermines efforts to modernize Iraq’s legal system and protect vulnerable populations.
The Broader Implications
The debate over the underage marriage bill highlights broader tensions in Iraqi society between conservative and progressive forces. Women’s rights advocates see the proposal as part of a larger pattern of attempts to roll back hard-won legal protections.
“This isn’t just about marriage laws—it’s about the future of women’s rights in Iraq,” said a spokesperson for the Iraqi Women’s Network. “If this bill passes, it sets a dangerous precedent for other discriminatory legislation.”
The controversy also underscores the challenges faced by Iraq’s fledgling democracy in balancing religious and cultural traditions with international human rights standards.
Revised Bill Under Scrutiny
In response to the backlash, lawmakers have promised that the revised bill will include stricter safeguards to prevent abuses. However, the lack of transparency surrounding the changes has fueled skepticism among critics.
“We need clarity on what exactly has been revised,” said a legal expert familiar with the debate. “Until we see concrete details, it’s hard to take these assurances at face value.”
The government has also announced plans to consult with civil society groups and legal experts during the legislative process, though activists remain wary of token gestures.
What’s Next?
The revised bill is expected to be debated in Parliament in the coming weeks, with lawmakers divided over its merits. Protesters have vowed to continue demonstrations until the proposal is withdrawn or significantly altered.
Meanwhile, international attention remains focused on Iraq, with organizations like UNICEF and Human Rights Watch calling for sustained pressure on lawmakers to reject any legislation that compromises children’s rights.
A Turning Point for Iraq
The controversy over the underage marriage bill represents a critical juncture for Iraq. As the country grapples with its identity in a rapidly changing world, the outcome of this debate could shape the trajectory of its legal and cultural landscape for years to come.
For many Iraqis, the stakes are clear. “This is about the kind of society we want to build for our children,” said a protester in Baghdad. “We owe them a future where they can grow up with dignity and opportunity, not one where their childhoods are stolen by outdated laws.
Source: SABC
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