Shia Coordination Framework renews calls to pass controversial Personal Status Law amendments that sparked nationwide protests

BAGHDAD — The Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shiite political parties in Iraq, has reiterated the urgency of passing controversial Personal Status Law amendments. The call came during its 216th regular meeting held on Monday, attended by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.

During the meeting, participants discussed key domestic issues and regional and international developments, with a focus on legislative priorities.

“The Personal Status Law remains a critical piece of legislation that citizens have been eagerly awaiting,” the Coordination Framework said in a statement following the meeting.

In August 2024, a nationwide survey by the Iraq Polling Team revealed that 73.2% of Iraqis strongly oppose the proposed amendments to Iraq’s Personal Status Law. Conducted from Aug. 13 to Aug. 15, 2024, the survey included responses from 61,648 participants across the country.

In August 2024, the Iraqi Parliament conducted the first reading of a proposed amendment to the Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959, aiming to grant religious authorities greater control over personal status matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Critics argue that this amendment could lead to the legalization of child marriages by allowing religious interpretations to set marriageable ages, potentially as low as nine years for girls.

This proposal has sparked widespread protests across Iraq, with women’s rights groups and civil society organizations expressing concerns over the erosion of women’s rights and the deepening of sectarian divides. Demonstrations have taken place in cities including Baghdad, Basra, and Sulaymaniyah, where activists have called for the rejection of the amendment, labeling it discriminatory and a violation of human rights.

The proposed amendments to Iraq’s Personal Status Law have encountered multiple delays in Parliament. Despite being scheduled for readings and votes on several occasions, the amendments have been postponed due to political disagreements and public opposition.