Penalties have been toughened for early marriage and performing a religious ceremony without marriage registration
In Uzbekistan, fines have been increased for violating the legislation on the marital age or the marriage procedure (including performing a religious marriage ceremony without official marriage registration). This is provided for by a law signed by the president the day before.
Penalties for early marriage and conducting a religious marriage ceremony without registration tightened
In Uzbekistan, liability for violating the legislation on the age of marriage and the procedure for entering into marriage has been increased. The new norms came into force on the same date.
Entering into de facto marital relations with a person under the age of marriage is now punishable by a fine of 10 to 15 base calculating amounts (BCA), whereas previously it ranged from 5 to 10 BCA.
Marrying off a person under the age of marriage by parents or persons replacing them now entails a fine of 20 to 25 BCA. Previously, the sanction ranged from 7 to 15 BCA.
The fine for conducting a religious marriage ceremony between persons whose marriage is not registered in accordance with the procedure established by law, including with a person under the age of marriage, has been increased to 30–50 BCA. Prior to this, it was from 15 to 30 BCA.
In the spring, the President signed a decree providing for incentives for marriages among young people who have achieved financial independence and are fully prepared to start a family. Starting in 2027, the state will provide additional benefits and other support measures to young families who enter into marriage for the first time when both parties reach at least 21 years of age.
In addition, it was planned to establish specific, exhaustive grounds for lowering the marriage age in legislation. Currently, khokims have the right to lower the marriage age from 18 to 17 years if there are valid reasons in exceptional cases — pregnancy, birth of a child, and declaration of a minor as fully capable.
According to statistics, 40% of marriages in Uzbekistan are concluded between people aged 18–19.
From September 1, 15% of the fine collected for offenses related to the violation of legislation on the age of marriage or the procedure for entering into marriage may be directed to reward persons who reported such facts.