Iraq passes Bill that critics say legalises child marriage

Protesters demonstrate against a proposed law to permit under-age female marriage in Tahrir Square in Baghdad in 2024 (Hadi Mizban/AP)

Iraq’s parliament passed three divisive laws on Tuesday, including amendments to the country’s personal status law that opponents say would in effect legalise child marriage.

The amendments give Islamic courts increased authority over family matters, including marriage, divorce and inheritance.