Draft personal status amendment sparks opposition in parliament

The proposed amendments to the Personal Status Law have reignited public debate over their implications for social cohesion and individual liberties. The draft amendments were proposed by independent MP Raed al-Maliki from Maysan province, who sits on the parliamentary legal committee. The proposal seeks to allow couples to marry in accordance with either Shia or Sunni jurisprudence and to apply these religious rules to matters involving marital relations as well as custody and divorce. The draft bill, which enjoys support from various Shia MPs but has not been formally endorsed by the leading Shia parties, was scheduled for consideration in yesterday’s parliamentary session but was postponed following a request submitted to Acting Speaker Mandalawi from dozens of MPs.

The current Personal Status Law, dating back to 1959, was enacted to unify the various sect-based laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, and custody. It aimed to provide a civil framework that transcended religious divisions, promoting a more cohesive legal system. However, the law has faced challenges over the decades, with various groups pushing for amendments that reflect their religious beliefs.