POLYGAMY PROVISION NIXED IN KAZAKHSTAN.

Kazakhstan’s Majlis–its lower house of parliament–voted yesterday against adding to the law on family and marriage a provision which would have allowed polygamy. The amendment drew on Islamic law and traditional Kazakh tribal customs. However, supporters of monogamy won by a wide margin with the argument that Kazakhstan aspires to be “a civilized country, not only of an Asian but also of a European type.” The text of the law now goes to the Senate, where the pro-polygamy amendment has even less chances than it had in the lower house. (Itar-Tass, May 13) –VS

[Correction: Yesterday’s Monitor item, “Chechnya marks anniversary of peace treaty,” described Moscow as “raging.” This should have read “arguing.” An over-zealous spell-check was at fault. We apologize for this mistake.]

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