Iraq's parliament has authorized marriages to nine-year-old girls
The Iraqi Parliament has passed a law allowing marriages with girls from nine years old. This was reported by the Associated Press agency on January 21.
The story noted that despite the minimum age of marriage of 18, Islamic courts were allowed to decide on marriages based on their interpretation of Islam, which could lead to marriages with teenage girls or even children as young as nine.
Supporters of such amendments say they will help reduce "Western influence" on Iraqi culture, Gazeta.Ru notes.
The plans of the Iraqi authorities to lower the age of consent for girls from 18 to nine were reported on November 8, 2024. It was specified that the state authorities consider this law necessary because it can bring Iraq closer to "a more correct interpretation of Islamic law", as well as protect young girls from "immoral attitudes".
