Al Mada reported that the new Personal Status Law is leading to legal chaos in Iraq. There is confusion over whether courts should apply civil law or let the different religious institutions to decide cases. Men are also appealing their divorce and custody cases hoping to get more favorable rulings from religious authorities.
Al Mada said that 60% of alimony and child custody cases are being delayed due to conflicting legal authorities between sects. That’s because the new law allows each sect to make decisions about marriage, divorce, custody and inheritance. Not only are there different sects but different religious schools within them leading to more uncertainty.
In January 2025 parliament amended the Personal Status Law and it went into effect in March. It was surrounded in controversy as it allowed 15 year old girls to be married, stripped women of divorce and inheritance rights, and allowed for polygamy. Critics say it institutionalizes sectarianism and is another move towards Islamicizing the law which has been pushed by Shiite parties.
SOURCES
Hasan, Harith, “The Risks of Deepening Sectarianism in Iraq,” Diwan, 8/28/24
Al Mada, “Personal Status Law Sparks Controversy After Implementation: Women Between Legal Discrimination and Societal Division,” 5/19/25
Mahmoud, Sinan “Iraqi Parliament amends family law to allow girls to be married at 15,” The National, 1/21/25
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