Controversy over Taliban’s new marriage rules in Afghanistan

May 17, 2026

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has implemented a new family law, under which the silence of a “virgin girl” can be considered consent to marriage. This 31-article law was approved by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. It includes rules regarding marriage, divorce, and the rights of male guardians.

New Rules Regarding Child Marriage

According to the new rules, fathers and grandfathers have been given the authority to marry minor girls. The law also states that such marriages can only be annulled after puberty with the permission of a Taliban court.

Under another provision, if a virgin girl remains silent after puberty, it will be considered her consent to marriage. However, this rule will not apply to boys or already married women.

Human rights organizations express concern

Human rights organizations have criticized these rules, saying that they will further encourage practices like child marriage, which already exist in Afghanistan. Due to poverty, many families marry off young girls in exchange for money or financial assistance.

Some reports claim that even newborn girls are married off to pay off debts. It is reported that families receive between $500 and $3,000 in exchange for child marriages.

Growing Concerns Over Women’s Rights

According to the organization Girls Not Brides, approximately one-third of girls in Afghanistan are married before the age of 18. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions on women and girls’ education, employment, and participation in public life.

International human rights organization Amnesty International has described the Taliban’s policies as discriminatory against women.

Critics Raise Questions

Political commentator Fahima Mahomed said that a girl’s silence cannot be considered consent. She said that this interpretation by the Taliban does not represent the whole of Islam, as Islam does not condone coercion and abuse of women.