DUBAI, UAE - The head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and the world has expressed strong opposition to recent parliamentary passed amendments to Iraq’s personal status law, calling them a “step backward” for individual freedoms and women’s rights. 

The Iraqi Parliament on Tuesday voted to approve the controversial amendments to the Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959.

The amendments, which include provisions for child marriage, have drawn criticism from civil society and religious leaders alike.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako urged the Iraqi government and parliament to consider the country’s ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity when enacting legislation. 

He called for alignment with international laws and human rights standards to ensure that laws promote balance and inclusivity.

“We must move forward instead of clinging to traditions and living in the memory of history,” Sako said. “Laws are subject to change according to the advancement of the era, the culture of the people, and their living conditions.”

Sako advocated for adopting a civil personal status law, similar to those implemented in other Arab nations, which would ensure equality among all citizens regardless of religion or sect. 

He stressed that religious authorities should not impose their beliefs on the broader population and emphasized that religion “guides but does not impose.”

The amendment would allow couples to choose their religious sect — Shiite or Sunni — when entering into a marriage contract. If the couple cannot agree on a sect, the husband's sect would be applied. Critics argue that this provision could undermine civil rights, particularly for women and girls.

The proposed changes have sparked intense debate not only within the halls of parliament but also across social media in Iraq. 

A poll by the Iraq Polling Team (IPT) revealed strong public opposition to the proposed amendments to Iraq's Personal Status Law. 

Out of over 61,000 participants, more than 70 percent opposed the changes, with only 23.8 percent in favor. 

The amendments, primarily supported by male Shiite MPs, is justified by its proponents as a measure to “protect” young girls and reduce divorce rates, but it has faced backlash for potentially legalizing child marriage.

Human Rights Watch condemned the proposed changes as a severe regression for women's and girls' rights in Iraq. 

The cardinal also highlighted Iraq’s previous personal status laws, which set the minimum marriage age at 18, aligning with international norms. He said the proposed amendments, which address issues such as divorce, inheritance, child custody, and minority rights, would undermine women’s rights and harm Iraq’s social fabric.

“Amending the law in this way, in the 21st century, would lead to disintegration and weaken the national fabric,” he said.