Iraq proposes ‘barbaric bill’ powering marriage age for girls to 9

Iraq’s parliament is on the verge of passing a controversial law that would lower the legal marriage age for girls from 15 to just 9 years old, according to sources close to the legislative process. This move has sparked significant concern and outrage, both within Iraq and internationally, as it aligns with similar practices in other countries.

In Sudan, the legal marriage age for girls is currently set at 10. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan and Yemen, girls as young as 6 are married off under the pretext of having reached "puberty." These practices have long been criticized by human rights organizations, which argue that they violate the fundamental rights of young girls and subject them to a lifetime of hardship.

IRAQ TO LOWER MARRIAGE AGE FOR GIRLS TO 9

Iraq’s parliament is reportedly about to lower the marriage age for girls from 15 to 9.

Similar practices exist elsewhere: in Sudan, it’s 10.

In Afghanistan and Yemen, girls as young as 6 are married off under the guise of reaching… pic.twitter.com/7QEd1asXJ8

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 8, 2024

Critics of the proposed Iraqi law warn that lowering the marriage age to 9 would not only undermine the rights of children but also perpetuate cycles of poverty and abuse. They argue that such laws are a step backward in the fight for gender equality and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Proponents of the bill, however, defend it by citing religious and cultural traditions that they believe should be upheld. They argue that the law would provide a legal framework for practices that are already happening in some parts of the country, thereby offering protection and legitimacy to these unions.

The international community, including various human rights groups, is closely monitoring the situation. Many are calling on Iraq’s government to reconsider the legislation and to prioritize the welfare and rights of its young citizens.

As the debate continues, the world watches to see how Iraq will balance cultural practices with the pressing need to protect the rights of its children.