MP Discusses Legal Recognition for Second Wives in Interview

In Kazakhstan, having a second wife should be legally permitted, according to Majilis deputy Abzal Kuspan, Orda.kz reports.

In an interview with journalist Yerbol Seyilkhan, the deputy stated that while the law formally prohibits polygamy, in practice, many wealthy men already live with multiple women.

Legally speaking, there are concepts of de jure and de facto. All lawyers know this. De jure, polygamy is prohibited here; we know that. Formally, it's illegal, there's no liability, but the ban exists. De facto, however, we know that many men, not just government officials but also simply wealthy citizens, have second, third, even fourth wives,
 said the deputy.

As a social phenomenon, I'm against it. But just because you or I are against it doesn't stop anyone. Therefore, I believe the institution of toqal aly (Kazakh langauge term referring to a second wife” or “junior wife in a polygamous relationship - Ed.) should be legalized and regulated by law. Taking a second wife should be officially permitted. There's a concept called legal nihilism. It's when the law becomes an empty formality. That's exactly what's happening now: there's a ban, but no one enforces it,
added the deputy. 

According to Kuspan, many men — particularly those with religious views — support toqal aly (Kazakh langauge term referring to taking a second wife” or “junior wife in a polygamous relationship - Ed.). 

However, he noted that today the practice often strays from tradition and becomes more of a "hunt for young women."

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina