Uzbekistan Moves to Ban Marriages Between Close Relatives

Uzbekistan is planning to tighten its family legislation by introducing a ban on marriages between close relatives, according to a bill published for public discussion on official government platforms.

The proposed amendments would prohibit marriages between relatives in the lateral line of the second, third, and fourth degrees of kinship, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

This includes marriages between uncles or aunts and their nieces or nephews, as well as first cousins. An exception is envisaged only in cases where one of the parties is an adopted or foster child and there is no actual blood relationship within the first to fourth degrees.

The bill also allows for a limited adjustment to the legal marriage age. Under the proposal, the marriage age may be reduced by no more than one year at the discretion of the district or city governor, but only at the request of the parties and in circumstances related to pregnancy or childbirth.

In addition, the document introduces stricter liability for entering into a marriage with a person who has not reached the legal age. If the violation is repeated after an administrative penalty, offenders could face a fine of 50 to 100 basic estimated values - equivalent to 20.6 million to 41.2 million soums - as well as mandatory community service of 240-300 hours or corrective labor for up to two years.

The bill is currently open for public feedback, with authorities inviting citizens to share their views before it moves forward in the legislative process.