Iraq's Proposed Law Could Allow Child Marriage, Deepen Sectarian Divisions

A new amendment to Iraq's personal status law may permit girls as young as nine to marry and undermine women's rights.

The amendment allows Muslim families to choose between civil or religious law for family matters.
Critics fear the law will legalize child marriage and erode women's rights.
The proposal has sparked protests from civil society and women's groups.
Experts warn the law could institutionalize sectarian divisions in Iraq.
The amendment must be debated in parliament before a vote can take place.