The Taliban have banned giving women away in marriage without their consent, the latest in the group's monthslong efforts to adopt a more progressive image.

Women should not be considered "property" and must consent to any arranged marriages, according to a decree released by Afghanistan's Taliban-controlled government Friday.

"A woman is not a property, but a noble and free human being; no one can give her to anyone in exchange for peace ... or to end animosity," read the decree, released by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

MAN BRANDISHING SHOTGUN OUTSIDE UN HEADQUARTERS ARRESTED BY NYPD 

The edict mandated "adult women's consent is necessary during Nekah/marriage," adding, "No one can force women to marry by coercion or pressure."

Government leadership has instructed all Afghan institutions, religious scholars, and tribal elders to enforce the rules and prevent "the ongoing oppression" against women, the Taliban spokesman said.

While the edict is expected to affect court cases involving widows or women's rights in Afghanistan, it did not mention girls' education or whether women could work outside of the home.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Despite efforts to rebrand as a more progressive iteration of the Taliban, the group has stripped the rights of Afghan women since its takeover in August. In recent months, women in Afghanistan have lost their ability to work and attend universities. On Nov. 22, the Taliban banned female actors from appearing on television and required female journalists to wear hijabs. There are no women in the Taliban government.

The Taliban have also returned to practices that raised global humanitarian concerns, including reinstating execution and amputations as disciplinary measures.