The Iraqi parliament is considering amendments to the Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959, allowing citizens to marry based on their religious sects, leading to concerns about eroding legal protections for women and children. The session, chaired by Shia Deputy Speaker Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, sparked intense debates among lawmakers, with proponents arguing that the changes align with Islamic law and could strengthen family values.
However, critics, including activists like Amal Kabashi, fear that the amendments could legalize child marriage and give religious authorities more control over family law, potentially reversing progress in women’s and children’s rights. They advocate for a comprehensive public discussion to evaluate the changes and emphasize the need for a national consensus to prevent deepening sectarian divisions.
Despite the heated discussions on the Personal Status Law, other legislative activities, such as amending the Amnesty Law and passing laws to boost agricultural productivity, also took place in parliament. As activists and civil society groups remain determined to oppose the amendments, political confrontations are expected in the coming weeks.