Overview

• 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.