Iraq passes laws that could legalise child marriage

BAGHDAD, Iraq

Iraq has passed amendments to a law that would in effect legalise child marriage. Currently the legal age for marriage in most cases is 18, but the amendments that were passed on Tuesday 21st January 2025 would allow clerics to interpret this law based on their interpretation of Islamic law.

This means that the law would effectively reduce the legal age of marriage from 18 years old to nine years old for girls, and 15 for boys. Those opposed to the changes say that this would disproportionately affect women and girls and have a disastrous effect on their human rights, violate the rights of children, and “disrupt the protection mechanisms for divorce, custody and inheritance for women.”

Those backing the changes defend them as a means to align the law with Islamic principles and to reduce western influence on Iraqi culture. However, the passing of the law caused controversy during the parliamentary session due to the voting process. 

Three laws, which are all supported by different groups in Iraqi parliament, were voted on together. This meant that half of the country’s lawmakers did not vote and many protested the process. This may mean that a legal appeal will be lodged with the federal court.

Savera UK CEO and founder, Afrah Qassim, said: “We are outraged to hear this shocking news today. If this vote stands it will see Iraq roll back progress made when marriage under the age of 18 was banned in 1959 and put children at risk of abuse and harm, as well as stripping away the rights of women and girls.

“The excuse of reducing western influence on Iraqi culture does not stand. Child and forced marriage is not a part of any culture or faith, it is abuse and a violation of human rights.

“The process used in the vote also means that this law has been passed without proper voting. We urge those within parliament opposed to it to challenge this decision and stand up for the human rights of the children who would be harmed by this law.

“We stand in solidarity with all those opposed to this law change and will take action necessary to apply pressure on Iraq’s lawmakers to prevent this law from coming into effect. Together we will end child marriage for good, everywhere in the world.”