A second reading for a highly controversial amendment to Iraq’s Personal Status Law is scheduled to take place in the parliament on Tuesday. If passed, the amendment could effectively legalize child marriage and grant religious authorities greater control over family law.

The Iraqi News Agency (INA) confirmed on Monday evening that the legislature’s agenda includes the proposed bill’s second reading. The amendment has sparked widespread protests from rights activists, members of parliament, and civil society organizations.

The proposed changes to the 1959 Personal Status Law (Number 188) have drawn significant opposition. Coalition 188, a group formed to resist the amendment, expressed its concerns during a press conference in Baghdad on Monday. The coalition includes several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and influential political figures who criticized the current term of the legislature, accusing it of performing “below expectations.”

“The sectarian and influential political forces have shown their determination to legislate an amendment,” Coalition 188 stated, emphasizing the “heated political and social climate” in Iraq as a key reason for opposing the changes.

The coalition specifically accused the ruling Shiite Coordination Framework of attempting to impose its will on other parties. “Influential political blocs within the parliament, particularly some powers within the Coordination Framework, are attempting to pass a law that has sparked much societal controversy,” the coalition’s statement added.

The amendment proposes allowing Iraqis the choice to follow religious rules in matters of marriage. For Shiites, this would mean adhering to the Jaafari school of jurisprudence, which permits marriage for girls as young as nine and boys at fifteen.

The bill, introduced by independent MP Raed al-Maliki, who has previously been responsible for controversial legislative changes, has faced significant backlash. Around 130 lawmakers have signed a petition against the amendment, according to MP Kurdo Mohammed.

On Monday, the European Union announced it is closely monitoring the situation, engaging with Iraqi officials, and analyzing the proposed changes. The EU delegation to Iraq expressed hope that the legislators would ensure the amendment aligns with Iraq’s legal framework and international law obligations, particularly concerning ratified international conventions.

As the parliament prepares for the second reading, demonstrations against the amendment have continued across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The outcome of the debate remains uncertain, with significant opposition still present within the legislature.