Iraq's Proposed Law to Lower Marriage Age for Girls to 9 Faces Strong Opposition

The controversial bill would amend the Personal Status Law, allowing religious authorities to oversee family matters, raising fears of increased child marriage and exploitation.

The bill seeks to reduce the legal marriage age for girls from 18 to 9 and for boys to 15.
Human rights organizations and women's groups argue the law would undermine decades of progress in women's rights.
Protests have erupted across Iraq, with demonstrators warning of severe consequences for young girls' education, health, and well-being.
Supporters of the bill claim it aims to standardize Islamic law and protect young girls from 'immoral relationships.'
The bill has resurfaced in parliament with backing from powerful Shia blocs, despite previous objections from lawmakers.