Iraq - August 2024

On 4 August, Iraq’s parliament debated significant amendments to the Personal Status Law (PSL). The proposed changes would introduce an option for citizens to choose between the current secular PSL and a sect-specific religious law upon marriage. The changes have been controversial, with critics arguing that they could undermine gender equality by empowering religious authorities over civil courts. Concerns include potential legalization of child marriages and reduced divorce rights for women, as religious rulings might prevail over secular legal standards. This is the third attempt since 2014 to reform family law. The bill is supported by the Shia Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite parties opposing the Sadrist movement, which seeks to appeal to conservative voters ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections. Observers caution that the bill may gain traction due to potential political maneuvering, as Sunni MPs might support it in exchange for backing on a controversial amendment to the amnesty law also undergoing parliamentary discussion.

Sources: Wilson Center, Shafaq, Brookings, The New Arab