Responsibility for promoting polygamy is being determined in Uzbekistan

At the forty-fifth plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, the law "On amendments and additions to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Code of Administrative Responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan" was discussed. It is known that extensive reforms aimed at protecting human rights, freedoms and legal interests and strengthening constitutional-legal, legislative, institutional and practical guarantees are being carried out in the country. In particular, it should be noted that systematic work is being carried out aimed at ensuring the stability of families, the stability of their social and spiritual environment, and improving the well-being of society. However, in recent years, the number of marriages concluded only according to religious rituals and after that the cases of polygamy are increasing in our country. Also, promotion of polygamy and its "advantages" through advertising, entertainment and analytical materials is on the rise. As a result, the number of children born out of wedlock has also increased. According to the Republic, in 2020, 16,564 babies born on the basis of a single mother's application were registered, while in 2022, this figure was 18,955. According to the Constitution, the rights and freedoms specified in it can be limited only in accordance with the law and only in the scope necessary to protect the constitutional system, the health of the population, social morality, the rights and freedoms of other persons, public safety and public order. Therefore, taking into account the centuries-old history and cultural traditions of the people of Uzbekistan, the authorities "On amendments and additions to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan" The law was drafted. Advocating that one category of citizens is superior or inferior to another category of citizens based on their national, racial, ethnic or religious affiliation, marriage administrative and criminal responsibility is provided for performing a religious ceremony of marriage between persons who are not registered according to the law. At the same time, the Law stipulates administrative responsibility for advocating cohabitation with two or more wives, for openly denying the equal rights of women and men. Also, in order to further increase the effectiveness of information programs introduced within the concept of "Safe City", a measure of administrative responsibility is being introduced for being in public places with the face covered to an extent that does not allow identification. In this case, exclusion of liability is also taken into account. It was noted that the adoption of this Law serves to further strengthen inter-ethnic harmony, religious tolerance, preservation of secular values and reliable protection of women's rights. The law was approved by senators.