The plight of young girls under Sharia law, coupled with the potential lowering of the age of consent in countries such as Iraq, is a profoundly troubling issue that raises significant concerns for the welfare of children and the preservation of fundamental societal safeguards.

To understand the gravity of this issue, one must first consider its historical context. From ancient Greece and Rome to the modern West, protections for children, particularly girls, have been painstakingly developed over centuries. These safeguards, however, are now under threat, not only in regions governed by Sharia law but also in the West, where mass immigration and cultural relativism are eroding hard-won rights.

The Age of Consent under Sharia Law
Sharia law, as practised in various Islamic states, allows for interpretations of childhood and adulthood that sharply contrast with modern Western ideals. In many cases, the age at which a girl is deemed eligible for marriage is tied to puberty, not chronological age. This practice creates a legal and moral framework where girls as young as nine or ten can be forced into marriage, justified by the argument that they are physically mature enough to bear children.

This interpretation is not merely theoretical; it is actively enforced in parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. While some Islamic countries have codified laws to raise the minimum age of marriage, these laws are frequently undermined by religious courts or local customs. Iraq, a country long struggling with political instability, is currently debating whether to lower the legal age of marriage for girls to as young as nine. Such a move would legitimise child marriage under the guise of religious tradition, effectively sacrificing the well-being of countless young girls to political expediency and fundamentalist pressures.

A Historical Perspective: Protecting Girls from Antiquity to Modernity
Historically, protections for children were not as alien to ancient civilisations as we might assume. In ancient Greece and Rome, while there were indeed practices that today would be deemed exploitative, societal norms still recognised a period of childhood requiring protection. For example, Roman law codified distinctions between childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, and while marriages were often arranged young, consummation was typically delayed until the girl reached a more mature age.
With the rise of Christianity, the sanctity of childhood began to be more formally acknowledged. By the medieval period, Canon law played a role in setting a minimum age for marriage. Although enforcement was inconsistent, the principles laid a foundation for future reforms.

The Enlightenment and the rise of modern democracies ushered in a new era of child protection. In Britain, the Age of Consent Act of 1885 raised the minimum age of marriage and consent to sixteen, a landmark decision aimed at curbing child exploitation. Similar reforms swept through Europe and North America, resulting in comprehensive child protection laws that continue to this day.

The Erosion of Protections in the West
Yet these protections are now under siege, not from within but from external influences. Mass immigration from regions where Sharia law is prevalent has introduced cultural practices that run counter to Western ideals of childhood and gender equality. While many immigrants adapt to their new societies, a significant minority bring with them deeply ingrained views on child marriage, family honour, and the subjugation of women.

In Britain, cases of forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and honour-based violence have risen sharply, particularly within immigrant communities. Despite legal prohibitions, enforcement is often hindered by fears of appearing culturally insensitive or racist. Tragically, this reluctance to act has left thousands of vulnerable girls without the protection they deserve.
One must also consider the rise of grooming gangs in towns and cities across England. These networks, often composed of men from certain South Asian backgrounds, have preyed on young girls with near impunity for years. In high-profile cases like those in Rotherham, Telford, and Rochdale, systemic failures within law enforcement allowed the abuse to continue. Authorities, paralysed by fears of being accused of Islamophobia, turned a blind eye to the exploitation of British children.

The Broader Implications
What we are witnessing is not just a failure to protect children but a fundamental weakening of the moral and legal foundations of Western societies. The principle that all children, regardless of gender or background, have the right to a safe and secure childhood is being undermined. The cultural relativism that seeks to excuse practices like child marriage as “traditional” or “religious” betrays the very values that have made the West a beacon of human rights.

Furthermore, the erosion of child protections is not limited to immigrant communities. The normalisation of hyper-sexualised imagery in media and entertainment, combined with increasingly permissive attitudes toward relationships involving minors, has further blurred the lines. In some Western countries, activists have even called for the age of consent to be lowered, citing arguments of individual freedom and agency. Such proposals ignore the inherent vulnerability of children and the importance of safeguarding their formative years.

A Call to Action
It is imperative that we stand firm in defending the rights and dignity of all children, regardless of cultural or religious context. In countries like Iraq, international pressure must be applied to prevent the lowering of the age of consent and to ensure that girls are given the opportunity to grow up free from exploitation.

In the West, we must resist the temptation to sacrifice our values on the altar of multiculturalism. Cultural practices that harm children cannot and should not be tolerated. Laws must be enforced, and communities must be held accountable. At the same time, education and integration programmes should work to instil the principles of gender equality and child protection in all citizens, regardless of their background.

The legacy of child protection, from ancient Rome to modern Britain, is a testament to humanity’s capacity for progress. To allow that legacy to be eroded is to abandon our most vulnerable. By examining these practices in the broader context of child protection, it becomes evident that urgent action is needed to uphold and enforce universal standards that transcend cultural and religious boundaries. If we are to preserve the moral fabric of our societies, we must act decisively and without fear to safeguard the future of our children.