Stop Violence Against Women
A project of The Advocates for Human Rights
Domestic Violence
General Information Best Practices Law and Policy Ongoing Developments
Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking Overview Training and Advocacy Ongoing Developments Sex Trafficking and Safe Harbor Resource Pack
Sexual Harassment
General Information Training and Advocacy Law and Policy Ongoing Developments
Sexual Assault
General Information Advocacy and Training Law and Policy Ongoing Developments
Other Forms of Violence Against Women
Crimes Committed in the Name of "Honor" Dowry-Related Violence Female Environmental Refugees Female Genital Mutilation Femicide Forced and Early Marriage Forced/Coerced Sterilization Gender-Based Asylum Harmful Practices Indigenous Women Maltreatment of Widows Son Preference Violence Against LGBT Women Violence Against the Girl Child Violence Against Women and HIV/AIDS Women and Armed Conflict Violence Against Women with Disabilities
Russian Site
  1. Home
  2. What's New

Kazakhstan Debates Polygamy Amid Regional Rise in

Thursday, May 29, 2008
Kazakhstan is currently considering legislation that would allow for legal polygamy.  A man's second, or even third marriage, would be recognized by the State, as well as under Islam.  To legally marry a second woman, according to the proposed bill, a man need only receive permission from his first wife and be able to demonstrate that he can financially support the second wife and any children they may have.

Those in support argue that a law recognizing polygamy will provide legal rights to children and women, who are recognized through nikah – or Islamic marriage, but are not recognized under the State law.  Supporters also argue that the law would help fuel growth of the population, as well as citing strong religious grounds and a historical acceptance of polygamy in the region.   However, it should be noted that four other countries in Central Asia currently outlaw the practice of polygamy.

Many in the legislature remain opposed to legalizing polygamy in Kazakhstan, believing that the answer is to hold fathers responsible for their children, whether in or out of wedlock.  The support from the general population is significantly stronger from men than women. 

The economic aspects of the issue are well recognized by both sides. While supporters contend that polygamy is a way for poor women to be supported by wealthy men, it also often means that women are vulnerable to forced or coerced marriages.  Further, it is not unusual for parents to sell a daughter for purposes of marriage.  Increasing the number of wives a man may take is reportedly leading to an increase in forced and coerced marriages.

Compiled from: Saidazimova, Gulnoza, "Kazakhstan Debates Polygamy Amid Regional Rise in Popularity," Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, (last visited 29 May 2008).

For More Information

For more information, see our section on Forced and Early Marriages.

lg
md
sm