A new law being considered in Iraq could lead to girls as young as eight getting married and wives having to submit to sex at their husband's every request.The controversial proposals have provoked outrage from activists both within Iraq and around the globe, who see it as a huge step backwards for women's rights.
The measure, aimed at creating different laws for Iraq's majority Shiite population, could further fray the country's divisions amid some of the worst sectarian bloodshed since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. That law represents a crime against humanity and childhood.
Married underage girls are subjected to physical and psychological suffering.' Under current law, the legal age for marriage in Iraq is 18, or 15 with a guardian's approval.However, with the proposed measure, known as the Jaafari Personal Status Law, there is no stipulated minimum age for marriage but there are rules regarding divorce for girls as young as eight. Under the proposed measure, a husband can have sex with his wife even without her consent. The bill prevents women from leaving the house without their husband's permission, would restrict women's rights to parental custody after divorce and makes it easier for men to take multiple wives. DM
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