Iraqi women protest against move to allow 9-year-olds to marry

In Iraq, women are protesting against a proposed law that would allow girls as young as 9 to marry.
On the 9th (local time), the media reported that "a bill to give religious authorities the power to decide on family issues such as marriage, divorce and children's education passed its first round of reading in the Iraqi parliament this week."
Unlike neighboring Saudi Arabia and other countries, Iraq does not have a system that requires women to seek the permission of a male guardian when making important decisions such as marriage.
However, the Personal Status Act, introduced in 1959, prohibits marriage under the age of 18 and vests decision-making power in family matters with the state and judiciary, rather than religious authorities.
Once a person turns 15, they can submit a marriage application, but it is only approved with parental consent if a judge deems it absolutely necessary.
"If religious leaders were to authorise marriages without judicial decision-making, girls as young as nine years old would be forced into marriage," the women said.
As a result, protests against the amendment have taken place in various areas, including the capital Baghdad, and 25 female members of parliament are trying to block the amendment, but the situation is not going well.
One female lawmaker explained the situation, saying, "Unfortunately, the male lawmakers who support this law think, 'What's wrong with marrying a minor?'"