Strict ban on consanguineous marriages will be implemented in Uzbekistan

Extensive reforms have begun in Uzbekistan to update family legislation. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

The main goal of these changes is to restrict outdated customs and strengthen the rights of women and minors. The Ministry of Justice has presented a new draft law.

This draft aims to revise marriage rules and increase accountability for violations. This was reported by upl.uz.

One of the key innovations in the draft is the expansion of rules prohibiting marriages between relatives. From now on, marriages between close relatives up to the fourth degree of collateral kinship will be strictly forbidden.

This includes uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, as well as second, third, and fourth-degree relatives. At the same time, some cases may be considered as exceptions.

For example, if the individuals entering into marriage are adopted or stepchildren and are not directly related, such situations will be evaluated under a special procedure. Another important direction of the reforms is strengthening the fight against early marriage.

In special cases, such as pregnancy or childbirth, district governors may lower the marriage age, but this period is now limited to a maximum of 12 months. Penalties are also being increased for those who enter into repeated marriage relations with minors.

According to the proposed regulations, fines for such offenders will be increased to 50–100 base calculation amounts, which corresponds to 20.6 million to 41.2 million soms. In addition, offenders may be sentenced to up to 300 hours of compulsory community service or up to two years of correctional labor.

Under the current regulations, fines for such cases amount to 20–30 base calculation amounts, which corresponds to 8.2 million to 12.3 million soms. At the same time, up to 240 hours of compulsory community service or up to one year of correctional labor is prescribed.