Iraq has made a damaging decision to change its age of consent for girls, as Christian women this should concern us

As a woman living in England, I find myself in a fairly privileged position. Yes we still have issues with inequality and sexual misconduct, but growing up in a democratic country meant; I received an education, and I knew the limitations put on women and girls were being fought against in law.

For example, the WASPI (Woman Against State Pension Inequality) women who campaigned for state pension equality, and the over 400 alleged victims of organisational abuse at Harrods, who spoke out. I am also thankful that I practise a religion were abuse isn’t part of the doctrine, nor is it God’s divine plan.

girls as young as nine would be exposed to heinous violations of marriage and sexual abuse

So like many others, I was sickened to read about the proposed alterations, Iraq wants to enforce; meaning that girls as young as nine would be exposed to heinous violations of marriage and sexual abuse. It is nothing short of a human rights breach that would legalise child rape and put girls at risk of violence and health implications relating to early pregnancy.

Iraq’s conservative Shia Muslim government, are set to vote through amendments to Law 188, which was denied by a more progressive party in 1959. The current Personal Status Law, established in the 1950s, prohibits marriage under the age of 18. However, a loophole allows religious leaders to officiate marriages of girls as young as 15 with their father’s consent. A 2023 UNICEF survey found that 28% of Iraqi girls marry before the age of 18, revealing the problems that child marriage even under the current legal framework.

On September 16th this year, the second reading of the amendment to Law 188 was passed, despite thousands protesting. If the law is to change, it would mean Iraq would have the youngest age of consent in the world, with neighbouring Iran having the second youngest at 13.

Dr Renad Mansour, a senior research fellow from Chatham House believes it is now more likely that the changes will ‘get over the line’ but he stresses that not all Shira parties are in favour of it. 

Dr Renad Mansour, a senior research fellow from Chatham House believes it is now more likely that the changes will ‘get over the line’ but he stresses that not all Shira parties are in favour of it. Whilst those in favour, ironically claim that it would protect girls from immoral relationships.

Sharia law was derived from the Qu’ran as well as the writings of the muslim prophet Muhammad, it is said that he married Aisha a six year old girl when he was 53, although some Islam scholars disagree. This is perhaps Iraq’s justification for changing their age of consent.

Amnesty International’s Iraq researcher, Razaw Salihy said: “Iraqi lawmakers must heed the warnings of civil society and women’s rights groups on the devasting impact of these amendments. They would eliminate the current legal marriage age of 18 for both girls and boys, paving the way for child marriages, as well as stripping women and girls of protections regarding divorce and inheritance.”

If the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court concludes that the changes align with the countries constitution, it will proceed into law. ECPAT echoes Amnesty Internationals concerns, they are a charity dedicated to protecting children from sexual exploitation, they have a base in Iraq and work in partnership with The Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights.

In recent years, forced marriage and FGM have been brought into the UK, I am concerned that English girls could be forcibly taken to Iraq to be married. In 2016, Anjem Choudary campaigned to get sharia law legalised in the UK, he saw liberal democracy, personal freedom and the rule of law as a mandate written by the Muslim god Allah. He has since been convicted of inciting others to support the Islamic State militant group.

The UK government have Multi Agency Statutory Guidance in place, to deal with forced marriage of children or vulnerable adults. ‘The Right to Choose’ policy was first published under the Family Law Act in 1996 and details the support that’s available, this includes; information regarding the police and crown prosecution service. Chapter 5, section 16 also covers the UK border force and airport personnel, who will be trained to recognise victim indicators and respond effectively when required. In addition, the NSPCC have formulated safeguarding practises to protect and support faith communities around the country.

Amendments to the age of consent failed to pass in 2014 and 2017, due to nationwide outcry. Unfortunately since this time, the US led intervention has ended and with it, removed any potential cooperation or influence from countries in the West. That being said, charities like Tearfund, Open Doors and Christian Aid are still working with communities in Iraq. 

Please pray with me that the age of consent amendment to the Personal Status Law is not lowered in Iraq, and for our sisters in that country.