A controversial bill seeking to reduce the legal marriage age for girls to 9 and boys to 15 has sparked outrage and protests in Iraq. The bill, proposed by independent MP Raed al-Maliki, would allow Iraqis to choose either the Shiite or Sunni religious sect's rules at the time of marriage to govern all personal status-related matters in their marriage. Human rights activists fear that this amendment would violate women's and girls' rights and set the country backwards. Despite facing backlash, the bill has been re-introduced after being withdrawn in July.
Iraq Sparked by Bill to Lower Legal Marriage Age for Girls
Iraq has been embroiled in controversy following the re-introduction of a bill that seeks to reduce the legal marriage age for girls to 9 and boys to 15. The bill, which has sparked outrage and protests, has raised concerns among human rights activists who fear it will violate women's and girls' rights.
Background:
Child marriage remains a significant problem in Iraq, with an estimated 18% of girls marrying before the age of 18. In 2017, a similar bill was proposed but faced widespread backlash and was subsequently withdrawn.
The Proposed Bill:
The bill, proposed by independent MP Raed al-Maliki, would allow Iraqis to choose either the Shiite or Sunni religious sect's rules at the time of marriage to govern all personal status-related matters in their marriage. This includes the legal age of marriage, which is currently set at 18 for both boys and girls under Iraq's civil law.
Concerns and Criticisms:
Human rights activists have strongly condemned the bill, arguing that it would violate international conventions and set the country backwards in terms of women's and girls' rights. They also point out that child marriage can have devastating consequences for girls, including increased risk of sexual violence, domestic abuse, and health problems.
Outrage and Protests:
The bill has been met with widespread outrage from civil society groups, women's rights advocates, and the Iraqi public. Protests have been held in major cities across the country, demanding the withdrawal of the bill.
Government Response:
Despite the backlash, the government has defended the bill, stating that it is necessary to address the issue of child marriage in a way that respects Iraqi traditions and religious beliefs. However, it has also said that it is open to considering amendments to the bill that would ensure the protection of girls' rights.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is the current legal marriage age in Iraq?
Under Iraq's civil law, the legal marriage age for both boys and girls is 18.
2. What would the proposed bill change?
The bill would allow Iraqis to choose either the Shiite or Sunni religious sect's rules on marriage, which could result in the legal marriage age for girls being lowered to 9.
3. Why are human rights activists concerned about the bill?
They argue that the bill violates women's and girls' rights and increases the risk of child marriage, which can have devastating consequences for girls.
4. Has there been any opposition to the bill?
Yes, the bill has sparked widespread outrage and protests from civil society groups, women's rights advocates, and the Iraqi public.
5. What is the status of the bill?
The bill has been re-introduced after being withdrawn in July. The government has said it is open to considering amendments to the bill, but it is unclear whether it will pass in its current form.
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