Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 19 September 2023, the Senate Committee of the Oliy Majlis on Judicial-Legal Issues and Anti-Corruption preliminarily discussed the Law “On Amendments and Additions to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Administrative Responsibility.”

The discussion was attended by senators, experts, specialists, chairmen of the standing commissions of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional and Tashkent city Kengash of people’s deputies, representatives of the Youth Parliament and the media.

Committee experts and specialists noted that one of the greatest gifts of independence is the opportunity to study the holy faith of our ancestors - Islam, their rich spiritual heritage, and to freely profess the pillars of religion.

It was emphasized that, despite this, recently in our country religious rites are performed by representatives of the religious sphere even in the absence of legal marriage. This in itself becomes the cause of social problems.

It was also noted that cases of speeches and posting on social networks by some religious bloggers of materials reflecting only their religious views, but also aimed at inciting religious hostility, have become more frequent, which in turn causes controversy among representatives of society leading a secular and religious lifestyle.

Therefore, taking into account the centuries-old history and cultural traditions of the people of Uzbekistan, the responsible departments have developed the Law “On Amendments and Additions to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Administrative Responsibility.”

Thus, the Law stipulayes the establishment of liability for propaganda of the superiority or inferiority of citizens on the basis of their national, racial, ethnic or religious affiliation, for the performance of a religious ceremony for marriage by persons whose marriage is not registered in the manner prescribed by law, propaganda of polygamy, propaganda of discrimination based on gender .

It also establishes liability for public denial of the equality of women and men, discrimination of citizens on the basis of national, racial, ethnic or religious affiliation, and for the carrying out by a religious organization of activities not provided for by its charter.

Administrative liability established by law for the appearance of citizens in public places in religious attire is abolished.

During the discussions, it was emphasized that the adoption of the Law serves to further strengthen interethnic harmony and religious tolerance in society, preserve secular values and reliably protect women’s rights.

At the end of the meeting, the recommendations prepared by experts on this Law were presented to the Committee on Judicial and Legal Issues and Anti-Corruption.