Iraqi Parliament Approves Law Allowing Clerics to Set Marriage Age

The controversial amendments could lower the marriage age for girls to as young as 9, raising concerns over child marriage and women's rights.

Iraq's parliament passed amendments to the 1959 Personal Status Law, granting Islamic courts authority over family matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
Critics warn the changes could effectively legalize child marriage, with some interpretations of Islamic law permitting girls as young as 9 to marry.
Proponents argue the amendments align Iraqi law with Islamic principles and reduce Western cultural influence, but activists fear a rollback of women's rights.
The session was marked by accusations of procedural violations, with reports of insufficient votes to meet the legal quorum and chaotic protests within parliament.
Child marriage remains a significant issue in Iraq, where a 2023 UN survey found 28% of girls were married before 18, and activists are calling for continued opposition to the amendments.