Iraqi lawmakers are mulling over a new measure that would allow girls as young as 8 years old to be married, and that also mandates wives must give their husbands sex on demand.
Iraqi human rights activist Hana Adwar said that the law represents a crime against humanity and childhood, adding that married underage girls are subjected to physical and psychological suffering, the Washington Times reported.
Current law in the country sets the legal age for marriage at 18, or 15 if a guardian or parent approves. The new proposed laws are aimed at the majority Shiite population.
The measures don't specifically say that the little girls can marry - but they do omit mentioning the lawful age of marriage while simultaneously allowing for men to divorce girls as young as 8 years, 8 months old.
Critics say that part of the text is an underhanded, backdoor way of giving men in the country the lawful right to marry girls as young as 8.
Meanwhile, another bill mandates that husbands might have sex with their wives whenever they want, with or without the woman's consent. It also prohibits wives from leaving home without their husbands' permission.