Kuwait has taken a significant step in advancing women’s rights and child protection by abolishing Article 153 of the penal code and raising the minimum marriage age. These reforms mark a shift in the country’s legal landscape, aligning Kuwait with international human rights commitments.
By removing outdated laws that discriminated against women and allowed child marriages, the government signals a broader move toward justice and equality.
Abolishing Article 153: Ending Legal Leniency for Honor Killings
Article 153 of Kuwait’s penal code provided legal leniency for men who committed honor killings. Under this law, a man who killed his wife, mother, daughter, or sister after catching her in an act of adultery faced a maximum sentence of three years or a small fine. The law legitimized gender-based violence and contradicted constitutional guarantees of equality.
The repeal of this article represents a turning point in Kuwaiti law. Justice Minister Nasser al-Sumait emphasized that the decision aligns with constitutional principles and international agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Decade-Long Activist Effort Leads to Legal Victory
The abolition of Article 153 did not happen overnight. Activists, particularly from the “Abolish 153” campaign, founded in 2015, fought for nearly a decade to remove this law. Their efforts, supported by legal experts and human rights organizations, created ongoing pressure on lawmakers.
The rise in gender-based violence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, brought renewed urgency to the issue. Kuwaiti lawyers and civil rights advocates welcomed the repeal, viewing it as a long-overdue victory for justice.
Raising Marriage Age to 18: Closing Child Marriage Loopholes
Another key reform is the amendment to Article 26, which raises the legal marriage age to 18 for both men and women. Previously, Kuwaiti law allowed girls to marry at 15 and boys at 17, with additional exceptions for cases involving early puberty. This change eliminates child marriage loopholes and strengthens legal protections for minors.
This decision aligns Kuwait’s laws with international agreements, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Legal experts stress that the new law not only safeguards young girls from forced marriage but also ensures better educational and economic opportunities.
Public Support and the Path to More Legal Reforms
Public response to these reforms has been largely positive, with civil society groups and legal professionals praising the government’s commitment to human rights. However, some conservative voices have raised concerns about changing long-standing legal traditions.
Despite differing opinions, these reforms indicate a shift toward broader legal modernization in Kuwait. Discussions have already begun on further legal protections for women and potential changes to family laws. Many see this as just the beginning of a more progressive legal landscape.
Strengthening Legal Protections for Women and Children
By abolishing Article 153 and raising the minimum marriage age, Kuwait has taken a firm stand against gender-based violence and child marriage. These reforms mark a major step toward justice and equality, demonstrating the country’s evolving approach to human rights.
As Kuwait continues to modernize its legal system, these changes set a strong precedent for further reforms in the future.
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