Iraqi lawmakers have passed amendments that give courts more authority in family matters, the Associated Press reported, and critics are concerned the move may spark a rise in child marriages. Newsweek contacted Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment via email outside normal business hours.

For Shia Muslims, who make up a majority in the country, the lowest age of marriage for girls will be nine years old, while for the Sunnis, the official age will be 15.

The amendments to Iraq's personal status law allow clerics to rule on marriages based on their interpretation of Islamic law.

A law has been passed in Iraq which has legalised the marriage of children as young as nine. Three controversial laws have been passed which give Islamic courts increased authority over family matters.

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

A storm of reactions has erupted from lawmakers and organizations in Iraq following the passage of a law that allows child marriages from the age of nine. Activists have strongly criticized the law, stating that it amounts to the “legalization of child rape.”

Al-Monitor is an award-winning media outlet covering the Middle East, valued for its independence, diversity and analysis. It is read widely by US, international and Middle East decision makers at the highest levels, as well as by media, thought and business leaders and academia.

Three divisive laws have now been passed which give Islamic courts increased authority over family matters. As reported by the Mirror, this includes marriage, divorce and inheritance. Activists argue that this undermines Iraq's 1959 Personal Status Law, which established safeguards for women and unified family law.