'Unjust and discriminatory'

Baghdad women protest personal status law amendments as public pressure mounts

BAGHDAD – A group of women gathered in Baghdad’s historic Al-Mutanabbi Street on Friday to protest proposed amendments to Iraq’s Personal Status Law, which they argue are discriminatory against women. The protest, organized by female lawyers, activists, and civil society organizations, featured demonstrators holding signs condemning the Iraqi parliament’s efforts to pass the amendments.

Ansam Salman, head of the Isen Organization For Human Rights, told 964media, “We have organized several protests before, and today we stand in Al-Mutanabbi Street to oppose the amendments to the Personal Status Law because they are unfair to women. We demand the protection of all women’s rights. The removal of custody from women is unacceptable, and child marriage is a violation of women’s rights. We will continue to call for an end to these amendments.”

The proposed changes, introduced on Aug. 4, have sparked widespread protests across Iraq. A second reading took place on Sept. 16, and the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court recently endorsed the changes, stating they align with the constitution.

The amendments would allow family matters—such as inheritance, divorce, and child custody—to be resolved either by religious authorities or the civil judiciary, based on personal preference. Critics argue that these changes could weaken legal protections for women and potentially lower the minimum marriage age for Muslim girls below the current age limit of 18.

Lawyer Zahraa Ali also criticized the changes, saying, “We stand today against the amendment of the Personal Status Law because the proposed changes are unjust to women and children. We strongly oppose the marriage of minors. This decision is oppressive and strips women and children of their rights.”

Protester Lamyaa Ali echoed these concerns, stating, “We are here today to protest the injustice facing Iraqi women and to reject the amendment to the Personal Status Law, which takes custody away from women and encourages child marriage. This proposed change is unacceptable to us, and we cannot remain silent. We expect the parliament to pass laws that protect and support women, not ones that oppress them.”

The amendments were scheduled for a vote on Oct. 2 but have been postponed by parliament, which did not provide details about the delay or when the vote would be rescheduled.