A controversial amendment to Iraq’s Personal Status Law is sparking outrage, with critics warning it could lead to the legalization of child marriage and significant setbacks for women’s rights. The proposed changes would allow men to choose between Sunni and Shiite family laws upon marriage, potentially depriving women of basic rights like inheritance and custody. The amendment is also feared to legitimize “pleasure marriages,” which critics argue could legalize child exploitation. The draft law is being pushed by Iraq’s ruling Shiite coalition despite strong opposition from women’s rights activists and some Sunni clerics.
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For a detailed exploration of the issue, read the full article by Hudhaifa Ebrahim. [2]