Controversial Proposed Amendment to Iraq’s Personal Status Law Sparks Outcry
A proposed amendment to Iraq’s Personal Status Law has ignited a heated debate, especially among women’s rights advocates. The amendment, if passed, would grant men the authority to choose whether to follow Sunni or Shiite family law upon marriage, placing unprecedented legal power in the hands of clerics. Critics fear that this amendment could lead to the deprivation of basic rights for Shiite women, potentially paving the way for child marriages.
The amended law also proposes significant changes to inheritance and custody laws based on sect. While Sunni women may inherit from their husbands under the current law, Shiite women would lose this right if the amendment goes through. Additionally, custody laws differ by sect, with Shiite fathers automatically gaining custody of children in the event of divorce.
The most contentious aspect of the amendment is the legalization of “pleasure marriages,” a practice unique to the Shiite sect that permits temporary unions lasting as little as an hour. Critics argue that this provision could lead to the exploitation of women and children.
Opposition and Criticism
The proposed amendment has faced backlash from various quarters, including NGOs, human rights activists, lawyers, and Sunni clerics. Many argue that the amendment is unconstitutional and could have grave consequences for women’s rights in Iraq.
Despite the opposition, the ruling Shiite coalition is adamant about pushing the amendment forward, illustrating the deep divisions within Iraqi society on this issue.
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