Iraq revises law to allow marriage at 15 for girls
Iraq’s parliament on January 21st gave the green light to amendments of the country’s Personal Status Law, permitting girls as young as 15 to enter marriage, according to The National.
The amendments to the 1959 Personal Status Law of Iraq, regarded as one of the most non-traditional family laws in the Middle East, has prompted extensive protests and sparked concerns over women’s rights.
Although activists and human rights groups expressed opposition to the amendments, these were passed. The amendments outline that the minimum age for marriage is 15. It also removed divorce and inheritance rights for women and gives religious authorities more power over family affairs.
The National
