Iraq's Parliament Sparks Outrage with Proposal to Lower Legal Marriage Age to 9

A tweet from Reem Alsalem, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and concern. The tweet, dated August 7, reads, "I will be following this with great concern," and is in response to a disturbing development in Iraq's Parliament. The proposed legislation aims to lower the legal marriage age for girls from 15 to a shocking 9 years old.

The tweet that has captured widespread attention was originally posted by Data Statistica (@Data_Statistica). It highlights a reply to @TimesAlgebraIND, stating, "Iraq's Parliament takes the first step to lower the legal age of marriage for girls from 15 to 9. The new personal status law being discussed is based on Shari'a."

The embedded image in the tweet shows a young girl in a classroom setting, wearing a white hijab and a long-sleeve shirt, diligently writing on a chalkboard. This image has drawn significant emotional reactions from viewers, further fueling the outrage over the proposed legislation.

Comments on the tweet reflect a wide range of emotions, from disbelief and disgust to heartbreak and anger. One commenter, reacting to the news, said, "That's just sick to me; why would an adult wanna marry a 9-year-old?" Another user pointed out, "This is so gross. My heart breaks for these innocent children at the hands of disgusting men."

For those seeking more detailed information rather than emotional responses, a commenter provided a link to an article from Middle East Eye, explaining that the law does not explicitly mention marriage age. Instead, it shifts the responsibility for marriages from civil courts to religious communities, some of which have historically conducted marriages for underage girls.

The outrage isn't limited to Iraq. Commenters were quick to point out that child marriage remains a critical issue globally, including in the USA. "FYI, 5 states in the USA have NO age limit to child marriage. And the GOP fight to keep it this way," one user noted, linking to a Wikipedia page on child marriage in the United States.

Amid the uproar, it is essential to focus on the root of the problem: the protection of children and the fight against child marriage. As the world watches closely, activists and concerned citizens alike are calling for urgent action to safeguard the rights and futures of young girls everywhere.