Sadyr Japarov. Photo: Press Service of the President of Kyrgyzstan
The practice of polygamy undermines the dignity of women and girls, violates their rights to equality, security, and well-being, exacerbates gender inequality, and leads to material hardship, property disputes, and instability in family relations. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov made this statement in his objections to a bill sent to the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) that proposes abolishing Article 176 of the Criminal Code, which establishes criminal liability for polygamy. The text of his objections was published by Akipress.
“Criminal liability serves as a deterrent, preventing the spread of polygamy and reinforcing in citizens’ minds the importance of legality in family relations,” Japarov emphasized.
The president noted that abolishing criminal liability would contradict Kyrgyzstan’s international obligations, in particular the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as norms of the Family Code and the country’s Constitution. The prohibition on polygamy is also enshrined in national legislation.
Japarov also pointed to violations of parliamentary procedure: the amendment removing criminal liability for polygamy was introduced during the second reading without the consent of the government and the Ministry of Justice, without an explanatory note, and without public discussion, which violates the law “On Normative Legal Acts.” It emerged that the amendment’s initiator was Deputy Speaker of Parliament Nurlan Azygaliev, who proposed abolishing Article 176 after the bill’s first reading in the parliamentary committee.
The president cited the positions of various state bodies, including the National Academy of Sciences, the Constitutional Court, the National Agency for Religious and Interethnic Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the ombudsman’s office. All opposed the decriminalization of polygamy, predicting negative consequences for the country’s international reputation, increased discrimination, and the weakening of the family institution.
In conclusion, Sadyr Japarov called for retaining Article 176 of the Criminal Code in its current form and continuing to prosecute bigamy and polygamy.
Note: The bill abolishing Article 176 was adopted by the Jogorku Kenesh on June 25, 2025, in all three readings without debate. Of the 16 female deputies present, 14 voted in favor.
