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Iraq’s Supreme Court Halts Marriage Age Reduction Amid Legal Concerns

Iraq’s Supreme Court has suspended a new law aimed at lowering the marriage age for girls to 15, amid concerns about its constitutionality. Originally, drafts suggested an even younger age limit. The fast-tracked passage of the bill faced backlash due to procedural issues in the parliament. The law’s suspension allows for legal review and potential amendments, keeping in mind Iraq’s international treaty obligations.

The Supreme Court of Iraq has temporarily suspended amendments to the personal status law that aimed to lower the marriage age for girls to 15.Originally, proposals hinted at even lowering the age to nine. The decision was made after the bill’s passage in January, which faced criticism over the chaotic parliamentary process, including dissension among MPs and a lack of formal voting records.

The court stated it is reviewing the law’s constitutionality, prompted by several legal challenges against it. Until a conclusion is reached, the revised law remains on hold. Each proposed bill in the legislative package must receive individual approval from President Abdul Latif Rashid before implementation.

Iraq’s 1959 Personal Status Law is recognized as one of the most progressive family laws in the Middle East, condemning child marriage by establishing an age limit of 18 years, with a legal allowance to marry at 15 only with judicial consent. Recent legislative movements to amend this law, however, included proposals to reduce this age significantly, igniting widespread protests against perceived regressive changes. As a signatory to both the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Iraq is obligated to adhere to standards that set the minimum legal marriage age at 18. The recent legal controversies highlight the socio-political challenges within Iraqi society, where religious factionalism intertwines with legislative efforts. Specifically, political divisions arose over including this law in a broader package that also addressed land rights and a general amnesty, creating potential for political maneuvering and manipulation during the voting process.

The Supreme Court’s suspension of the revised marriage law underscores ongoing tensions regarding child rights and gender equality in Iraq. The proposed amendments serve to highlight broader societal challenges in policy-making that balances traditional values against international norms of human rights. The decision reflects both legal scrutiny and public opposition, emphasizing the need for careful review before any laws affecting minors are enacted. This development may encourage further discussions about reforms to ensure alignment with global treaties, particularly as activists and politicians continue advocating for the protection of children’s rights and gender equity in the legal framework.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com

Nina Patel

Nina Patel has over 9 years of experience in editorial journalism, focusing on environment and sustainability. With a background in Environmental Science, she writes compelling pieces that highlight the challenges facing our planet. Her engaging narratives and meticulous research have led her to receive several prestigious awards, making her a trusted voice in environmental reporting within leading news outlets.

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