'Silence Of Virgin Girl Will Count As Consent': Taliban Introduces Law To Recognise Child Marriage

Key points

• 'Silence Of Virgin Girl Will Count As Consent': Taliban Introduces Law To Recognise Child Marriage Published By, Last Updated: May 17, 2026, 16:10 IST Taliban approves new family law on marriage and divorce, allowing silence of a "virgin girl" as consent, expanding fathers authority over child marriage.
• The new rule for child marriages in Afghanistan has drawn criticism.
• (Image: Reuters/File) The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has introduced a contentious new family law covering marriage, divorce and child marriage, sparking concern among rights groups and international observers.
• The 31-article regulation, called “Principles of Separation Between Spouses," was approved by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and published in the regime’s official gazette earlier this month, according to Afghan broadcaster Amu TV.
• Taliban’s New Marriage Law Faces Criticism The new rules deal with issues such as child marriage, missing spouses, adultery allegations, apostasy and forced separation.