Shia governing elite endorse personal status bill

Iraq’s leading Shia parties have come out in favor of plans to amend the Personal Status Law, which has sparked controversy over the past week. This support makes its approval in parliament highly likely.

While opponents of the bill argue that it would effectively legalize underage marriage, statements issued by the Shia governing elite endorsing the bill have focused on upholding the personal freedoms of Iraq’s diverse religious makeup including the right of citizens to choose how they regulate their personal family affairs.

Although the bill was introduced by an independent MP who sits on the parliamentary legal committee, the Shia elite’s endorsements emphasized that the draft law does not conflict with constitutional provisions, nor does it seek to undermine the country’s social cohesion.

On Monday, Ammar Al-Hakim’s State Forces Alliance was the first to issue a statement in support of the proposed bill, noting that "This amendment comes in response to the diverse requirements and needs of society,” adding that it provides citizens with “logical options that suit different circumstances and situations, which enhances the principle of personal freedom and respects the diversity of society.”

The statement went on to call on parliament to pass this amendment “in a way that serves the interests of citizens and preserves the cohesion of the social fabric.”