Allawi warns political blocs against controversial personal status law amendments

BAGHDAD — Ayad Allawi, leader of the Al-Wataniya Coalition, sent a message to Iraq’s political blocs on Tuesday, warning against the passage of amendments to the country’s Personal Status Law. He described a potential vote in parliament as a “disaster” that must be prevented.

The first reading of the proposed changes on Aug. 4 sparked widespread protests across several cities. On Monday, the amendments underwent a second reading in parliament. In a recent development, the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court approved the amendments, stating they are consistent with the constitution.

The amendments would allow family matters such as inheritance, divorce, and child custody to be governed by religious authorities or the civil judiciary, depending on individual preference. Critics warn that the changes could undermine existing legal protections for women and children, potentially lowering the minimum marriage age of 18 for Muslim girls.​

Full message from Allawi’s office:

Dr. Ayad Allawi, leader of the Al-Wataniya Coalition, sent a message to the heads of political blocs, warning of the repercussions of amending the Personal Status Law if approved by the Iraqi parliament.

In his message, Dr. Allawi emphasized his concerns over escalating tensions in Iraq, noting that the proposed amendments, which is set to be approved in upcoming parliamentary sessions, threatens the real gains that ensure the unity of Iraq’s social fabric across all its components.

He added that opposing the passing of the proposed amendments to the Personal Status Law and rejecting it is an act of preventing a disaster that could fragment Iraq into sects and factions, thus deepening division and expanding the scope of social disintegration.

Dr. Allawi continued by stating that this move, which some forces in the parliament are attempting to advance, affects constitutionally guaranteed rights, deprives women, children, and families of their rights, and poses a danger to the future of Iraq and its people.

He stressed the importance of restraint and caution in making such sensitive amendments, warning that they could reignite the embers of sectarianism.

Furthermore, Dr. Ayad Allawi called for the unification of religious endowments under a single institution to maintain societal unity and protect it from politicization.