Iraq’s parliament is currently debating a controversial bill that would lower the legal age of marriage for girls to just nine.
The proposal, backed by the country’s Shiite political majority, suggests reducing the age of consent from 18, effectively allowing adult men to legally marry young girls.
This move has sparked fierce opposition, both domestically and internationally. Critics argue that the bill would mark a devastating setback for women’s rights in the country. “This is a disaster for women,” says Raya Faiq, one of the bill’s most vocal critics, speaking with The Guardian.
Raya, along with a group of female lawmakers, is fighting to prevent the bill from passing its second vote, which is expected soon. They fear that the law would expose young girls to tremendous risks, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
Although past efforts to block similar legislation have been successful, the growing influence of religious groups in Iraq’s parliament makes this fight particularly challenging. “Sadly, many male lawmakers see no problem with adult men marrying minors,” says parliamentarian Alia Nassif. As the battle intensifies, women’s rights advocates are determined to stop this dangerous regression
