Iraq's Parliament Approves Child Marriage Amendments

Iraq's parliament has passed amendments to the Personal Status Law that could legalize child marriage, allowing girls as young as nine to marry, according to interpretations of Islamic law. Critics, including human rights activists and organizations like UNICEF, argue that these changes undermine Iraq's 1959 law designed to protect women's rights and establish a minimum marriage age of 18. Proponents, mainly conservative Shiite lawmakers, defend the amendments as a means to align legal practices with Islamic principles and counter Western influences. The parliamentary session was marred by chaos, with accusations of procedural violations, as many lawmakers reportedly did not vote, breaking the legal quorum. Additionally, the parliament approved a general amnesty law and a land restitution law, further complicating the legislative landscape. Activists warn that the new laws could have dire consequences for women's rights and the protection of children in Iraq.