In Uzbekistan, the implementation of a comprehensive reform in family legislation has begun, aimed at eliminating outdated customs and protecting the rights of women and minors. The Ministry of Justice has presented a draft law that fundamentally changes the rules for entering into marriage and strengthens penalties for violations.
One of the key points is the expansion of the list of relatives prohibited from marrying. Now, unions between close relatives up to the fourth degree on the collateral line are banned, including uncles, aunts, and their nieces and nephews, as well as cousins, second cousins, and third cousins.
However, there are exceptions for cases where one of the spouses is adopted, a stepson, or a stepdaughter, provided that the adopted person is not considered a relative of the first, second, third, or fourth degree of kinship in relation to the other participant in the marriage.
The authorities also intend to actively combat the practice of early marriage. In rare cases (for example, in the event of pregnancy or childbirth), district khokims will be able to temporarily lower the marriage threshold, but not for more than 12 months.
If someone attempts to circumvent the law and re-enters into a de facto marriage with a minor after an administrative warning, they will face serious consequences. It is proposed to increase fines to 50-100 BRV, which corresponds to an amount from 20.6 to 41.2 million sums. Additionally, offenders may be sentenced to compulsory community service for up to 300 hours or corrective labor for up to two years.
Currently, the existing legislation provides for penalties in the form of fines ranging from 20 to 30 BRV, which amounts to between 8.2 and 12.3 million sums, or mandatory community service for up to 240 hours, or corrective labor for up to one year.
Source: upl.uz
