BAGHDAD — The highest judicial authority in Iraq has put a halt to the enforcement of three controversial laws that were recently approved by the country’s parliament. This decision comes amid concerns that one of the measures threatens to erode women’s rights within the nation.
A group of parliamentarians has raised objections against the way these laws were passed, claiming that the voting process was not legitimate. The complaint highlights that the three bills, which were supported by various political blocs, were voted on collectively rather than being addressed individually. In response to this grievance, Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court has issued an order to suspend the enactment of the laws until a final ruling is made regarding the complaints.
Among the suspended measures is a proposed amendment to the personal status law, which would expand the role of Islamic courts in family-related issues such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Advocates for women’s rights have expressed deep concern, arguing that this change could reverse significant progress made in establishing a unified family law that provides protections for women. Proponents, mainly from conservative Shiite factions, argue that these amendments are necessary to ensure that laws are more closely aligned with Islamic doctrine and to mitigate Western influence on Iraqi society.
Previous iterations of the legislation were alarming to many observers, as they were seen as potentially facilitating child marriage by adhering to certain interpretations of Islamic law that permit the marriage of young girls, some as young as nine. However, the final draft that was approved stipulates that both parties involved in the marriage must be classified as “adults,” without detailing the specific age required to attain adulthood.
In addition to the family law amendment, one of the other bills proposed a general amnesty law, which is viewed as favoring Sunni detainees. There are concerns that this amnesty could inadvertently lead to the release of individuals involved in public corruption, embezzlement, and even those accused of war crimes.
The third legislative measure aimed at restoring properties that were confiscated from Kurdish populations during Saddam Hussein’s regime. However, this proposal has met resistance from certain Arab factions who argue that it could result in the forced displacement of Arab communities from these reclaimed lands.
