Controversial amendments to Iraq’s Personal Status Law back on parliamentary agenda

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Parliament is set to hold its next session on Monday, with the controversial proposed amendments to the Personal Status Law of 1959 on the agenda for a second reading. These amendments have sparked intense debate, particularly over concerns they could undermine protections for women and children.

The proposed changes would allow family matters, including inheritance, divorce, and child custody, to be governed either by religious authorities or the civil judiciary, depending on individual preference. Critics argue that such provisions could weaken existing legal protections, especially for women, and could remove the minimum marriage age of 18 for Muslim girls.

On Sept. 3, Parliament postponed a session that was meant to address the second reading of the amendments due to widespread public outcry. The first reading, held on August 4, prompted protests across several cities.

The Shia Coordination Framework, Iraq’s largest parliamentary bloc, supports the amendments, citing “freedom of choice.”

However, a newly formed women’s opposition bloc within Parliament–along with civil society and women’s groups– has condemned the proposal, urging public resistance to the changes.

In addition to the Personal Status Law, the second reading of amendments to the General Amnesty Law, another contentious issue, is also on the agenda for Monday’s session.

Developing…