Iraq is about to pass a new law that lowers the legal age of marriage for girls to NINE

Iraq's parliament is sparking outrage again over a proposed bill that would lower the age of marriage for girls to nine, essentially legalizing pedophilia.

This is nothing new. Iraq hardliners have been trying to do this for years, but this time it might become law. The legal age for a girl to marry in the Islamic nation is currently 18, according to the economic timesalthough some claim it is 15.

The measure smacks of Sharia law and was proposed by Iraq's Ministry of Justice. It would amend the Personal Status Act, denying the minimum age for marriage to 18.

“The bill would allow citizens to choose between religious authorities or the civil judiciary to decide on family matters. Critics fear this will lead to curtailment of inheritance, divorce and child custody rights.” NDTV World informed

BREAKING:

Iraq's Parliament takes the first step to lower the legal age of marriage for girls from 15 to 9.

The new personal status law being discussed is based on Sharia law. pic.twitter.com/416xKEhT1i

— Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) August 7, 2024

“If passed, the bill would allow girls as young as 9 and boys as young as 15 to marry, raising fears of increased child marriage and exploitation. Critics argue that this regressive move would undermine decades of progress in promoting women's rights and gender equality,” the outlet added.

“Human rights organizations, women's groups and civil society activists have vehemently opposed the bill, warning of serious consequences for girls' education, health and well-being. They argue that child marriage leads to increased rates of abandonment, early pregnancies and increased risk of domestic violence,” NDTV World continued.

The United Nations children's agency, UNICEF, estimates that 28% of girls under the age of 18 are currently married. This new law would dramatically increase that number.

“Passing this law would show that a country is moving backwards, not forwards,” Human Rights Watch researcher Sarah Sanbar told NDTV World.

Nor is she the only one who makes this claim. Amal Kabashi of the Iraq Women's Network says the same and strongly opposes the move. He claims that the amendment “provides a large margin for male dominance over family issues” in a society that is already culturally suppressed.

Iraq plans to lower the legal age of marriage from 15 to 9.

The proposal is based on Sharia law, which allows Muslim men to marry girls as young as 6.

Under Sharia, all the girls in this photo would already be married. But are we wrong to criticize his pedophilic ideology? pic.twitter.com/SE8M73X13F

— Samantha Smith (@SamanthaTaghoy) August 8, 2024

There was strong opposition from many lawmakers in the Iraqi government when the proposed changes were initially introduced, so in late July, the parliament withdrew them. But they resurfaced in an Aug. 4 session and received strong support from the powerful Shiite blocs that dominate the chamber.

“The proposed changes would mark a change from the 1959 legislation. This law, enacted after the fall of the Iraqi monarchy, transferred the authority of the family law of religious figures to the state judiciary. The new bill would reintroduce the option to apply religious rules, primarily from Shia and Sunni Islam, but makes no mention of other religious or sectarian communities within Iraq's diverse population,” NDTV World wrote.

“Proponents of the bill claim it aims to normalize Islamic law and protect young girls from 'immoral relationships'. However, opponents counter that this reasoning is flawed and ignores the harsh realities of child marriage” , he went on to say that what men value most in Iraq is a virgin bride, so the sooner they get married, the more likely the girl is. will still be one.

Many are shocked by the news that Iraq's parliament is about to lower the age of marriage for girls from 15 to 9.

There are also examples from other countries. In Sudan there are 10

In Afghanistan and Yemen, it is “puberty”, but in reality girls aged 6, 7 and 8 are also married. pic.twitter.com/KBQppfFdBY

— Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) August 8, 2024

Sanbar claimed the amendment would “undermine the principle of equality under Iraqi law” and “could legalize the marriage of girls as young as nine, stealing the future and well-being of countless girls.”

“Girls belong on the playground and at school, not in a wedding dress,” she argued.

It is unknown whether the amendment will pass, but given the strength of the Shiite blocs, it is a good bet that it will.

Terresa Monroe-Hamilton is a constitutional conservative who researches and writes extensively on politics and current affairs.

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