Opponents to the amendments say they effectively legalize child marriage in Iraq and mark a significant step backward for women's rights in the country. The passage of the amendments also sets a precedent for other governments seeking to pass similar bills to adhere to their interpretation of Islamic law.

Iraq's parliament passed into law on Tuesday, a revised bill that had sparked outrage over fears it rolled back women's rights and permitted underage marriage. The parliament said on its website that it had adopted "the proposal to amend the Personal Status Law",