By John Q. Hosedrinker 
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The news that Iraq is considering lowering the age of consent for girls to nine has sparked outrage and disgust around the world. This deeply troubling proposal, if implemented, would legalize sexual relations with children as young as nine, effectively turning a blind eye to the physical, emotional, and psychological harm such actions inflict.
The idea of a nine-year-old child having the capacity to understand and consent to sexual activity is simply absurd. Their bodies are not developed enough to handle such experiences, and the potential for physical trauma, including tearing, permanent disfigurement, and even internal disembowelment, is real and deeply concerning.
Beyond the physical implications, the emotional and psychological repercussions for a child forced into such a situation are devastating. Imagine the burden of carrying the weight of such a violation at such a young age. It’s simply unimaginable.
The justifications for this proposal, which seem to rely on religious arguments and referencing the practices of a historical figure, are deeply concerning. Using religion as a shield to legitimize such heinous acts is unacceptable.
The international community, including the United Nations, must condemn this proposal in the strongest possible terms. This is not a matter of cultural sensitivity, but of human rights and the protection of vulnerable children. It’s time to call out this blatant abuse and demand that Iraq prioritize the well-being and safety of its children over antiquated, harmful traditions.
The very notion of “consent” in this context is a dangerous distortion of the word. Nine-year-old children are not equipped to make informed decisions about their bodies, let alone about the implications of sexual activity. To argue otherwise is to ignore the reality of their vulnerability and the power dynamics at play.
While some might argue that this is an internal matter for Iraq to address, the global community cannot stand by while children are being exploited and abused. This is a universal issue that demands a universal response.
It’s time to hold leaders accountable for their actions, to protect children, and to challenge harmful traditions that endanger the most vulnerable members of our society. Lowering the age of consent to nine is a step backward for humanity, and it’s crucial that we speak out against this reprehensible proposal.