Darvish Intelligence: The Hypocrisy of Iran’s Marriage Laws: Legalized Child Marriage and Polygamy

Thursday, February 20, 2025

The Hypocrisy of Iran’s Marriage Laws: Legalized Child Marriage and Polygamy

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American LDS Priest

Iran’s legal system, deeply rooted in Islamic Sharia law, upholds disturbing and archaic marriage laws that reflect a systemic disregard for women’s rights and human dignity. As an Iranian-American and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I find it deeply troubling that while the Iranian regime claims to uphold morality, it simultaneously permits child marriage at the age of 13 and legalized polygamy. These laws stand in stark contrast to Christian principles of family and morality, highlighting the inherent injustices within the Islamic Republic.

Legalized Child Marriage in Iran

Iranian law permits girls as young as 13 to be married, with even younger ages possible if a father and a judge approve. This practice is a direct result of Article 1041 of the Iranian Civil Code, which states:

“Marriage before puberty is prohibited. Marriage contracted before reaching puberty with the permission of the guardian and on condition of taking into consideration the ward’s interest is proper.” (Islamic Republic of Iran Civil Code, Article 1041).

While Iranian officials attempt to justify this law by citing Islamic traditions, the reality is that child marriage leads to lifelong psychological, physical, and social harm. UNICEF reports that child brides are significantly more likely to suffer from domestic abuse, pregnancy-related complications, and lack of education (UNICEF).

Shockingly, according to Iranian government statistics, in just one year, over 9,000 girls under the age of 14 were married (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 2022). Meanwhile, regime officials continue to endorse and even encourage early marriage under the guise of “Islamic family values.”

Polygamy: A Legal and Religious Double Standard

Iranian law not only allows but actively supports polygamy under Sharia law. A Muslim man in Iran is permitted to marry up to four wives simultaneously, as long as he provides for them equally, according to the Quran (Surah An-Nisa 4:3). This is explicitly stated in Article 942 of the Iranian Civil Code, which states:

“A man may marry more than one wife, provided he treats them equitably and can afford to maintain them.”

While polygamy is justified in Iran as a religious and legal norm, this same regime criminalizes and brutally punishes women who engage in extramarital relationships or defy traditional marital expectations. In contrast, a man can take multiple wives and temporary concubines (sigheh/mut'ah marriages) without legal or moral consequence (Amnesty International).

A Stark Contrast to Christian Teachings

As an LDS priest, I uphold the biblical and Christian principle that marriage should be a sacred, monogamous union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31). The LDS Church has long rejected the practice of polygamy, despite its historical existence in the 19th century, emphasizing the eternal nature of marriage between one husband and one wife (Doctrine & Covenants 132:15-19).

Meanwhile, the Iranian regime—along with Islamic apologists in the West—condemn Christian and conservative institutions like the LDS Church for their moral teachings on family and marriage, all while openly sanctioning child brides and polygamy in Iran. The hypocrisy is staggering.

The International Community Must Take Action

Despite global pressure, Iran continues to violate human rights under the guise of Sharia law. It is essential that:

The U.N. and human rights organizations demand the abolition of child marriage and polygamy in Iran.
The U.S. and Western governments apply diplomatic pressure on Iran to reform its legal system.
Christians and human rights advocates worldwide raise awareness of these injustices and support Iranian women fighting for their rights.

The Iranian regime cannot claim moral superiority while allowing girls to be married off as children and men to collect wives like property. True morality lies in protecting the sanctity of marriage, promoting equality, and upholding human dignity—principles found in Christianity and the teachings of Jesus Christ.