On 4 August, Iraq’s parliament debated significant amendments to the Personal Status Law (PSL). The proposed changes would introduce an option for citizens to choose between the current secular PSL and a sect-specific religious law upon marriage. The changes have been controversial, with critics arguing that they could undermine gender equality by empowering religious authorities over civil courts. Concerns include potential legalization of child marriages and reduced divorce rights for women, as religious rulings might prevail over secular legal standards. This is the third attempt since 2014 to reform family law. The bill is supported by the Shia Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite parties opposing the Sadrist movement, which seeks to appeal to conservative voters ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections. Observers caution that the bill may gain traction due to potential political maneuvering, as Sunni MPs might support it in exchange for backing on a controversial amendment to the amnesty law also undergoing parliamentary discussion.

Sources: Wilson Center, Shafaq, Brookings, The New Arab

On 27 April, Iraq’s unicameral legislature, the House of Representatives, passed a law that severely restricts the rights of LGBTQIA+ people in the country. In wording that has been criticised for being vague and overly broad, The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality criminalises homosexuality for the first time in Iraq, prescribing a 10-to-15-year prison sentence for a person who engages in homosexual sex. It bans the promotion of homosexuality, prohibiting the activities of NGOs advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. It also targets transgender people, criminalising those who undergo gender change procedures based on ‘desire and inclination’, as well as those who conduct such procedures. While homosexuality was not previously outlawed in Iraq, the LGBTQIA+ community has been prosecuted under morality laws and is subject to frequent violence and discrimination. Under the constitution, the Law will be considered ratified 15 days after it has been sent to the president by the legislature.

Sources: Shafaq News, British Broadcasting Corporation, The Guardian, Library of Congress, Constitution of Iraq

On 18 December, Iraq conducted its first set of provincial elections since 2013. The Independent High Electoral Commission announced the preliminary results, with a turnout of 41 per cent despite a boycott by influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The ruling Shia Coordination Framework emerged as a major victor, securing 101 out of the 285 available seats. In terms of regional participation, Kirkuk had the highest participation at 66 per cent, where Kurdish candidates won the majority seats. In Baghdad, the coalition led by former Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi secured the most votes, followed by a coalition of Iran-backed Shiite parties. Despite minor incidents including the detonation of a stun grenade at a polling station in Najaf and a helicopter crash near Kirkuk (causing one fatality and one injury), the elections were largely peaceful. Women constituted 28 per cent of the candidates and secured 75 seats in the provincial council elections. 

Sources: Rudaw, The New Arab, Al Jazeera, Independent High Electoral Commission,  Associated Press, French Research Center on Iraq

On 14 November, the Supreme Court suspended parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, following accusations of forgery. The ruling also removed lawmaker Laith Al Dulaimi, a member of al-Halbousi's Taqqadum party, who had accused al-Halbousi of forging his signature on a resignation letter.  Al Halbousi, a prominent Sunni political leader, expressed surprise at the decision and suggested it undermined national stability and violated the constitution. Taqadum Party called the ruling a ‘flagrant violation’ of the constitution and the ministers of culture, planning, and industry resigned in protest. Moreover, Taqadum legislators have initiated a parliamentary boycott in response to the legal action against al-Halbousi. It is anticipated that Sunni parties will appoint a new speaker before the provincial elections in December. The Court maintains that its decision, grounded in the Iraqi constitution, is final and unappealable. The court's decision is likely to impact Iraq's political landscape ahead of next month's provincial elections. As one of Iraq’s most influential Sunni politicians, al-Halbousi’s removal could stir sectarian tensions in the country.

Sources: The National News, Al Jazeera, AP News, Shafaq News, The New Arab