Iraq 'To Pass Law' Allowing Girls As Young As Nine To Marry

Iraq is set to change its laws to allow men to marry girls as young as nine and strip women of rights around divorce, child custody and inheritance.The country’s ruling conservative Shia Muslim parties are set to vote through amendments to the Law 188 - which was passed by a more progressive government in 1959.A second reading was passed in September, despite thousands protesting it, with the Iraqi government stating it would protect girls from “immoral relationships”.If passed, it means that Iraq will have the youngest age of consent in the world - with neighbouring Iran having the second youngest at 13.