Footage from a wedding surfaced on social networks, where the groom is dressed in Arabic clothing, a thawb and a keffiyeh, while the bride has her face covered with a niqab. Religious music was played during the ceremony.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, commenting the video, reported that the groom was fined under Illegal production, storage, import or distribution of materials with religious content.
Reportedly, the event took place on August 31 in the Namangan province. The groom, 23, was called up to the Namangan police police department. He said that “on his own initiative, based on his personal religious views, he gave the event a religious tone by dressing the bride in non-traditional clothes, wrapping her up, and using religious songs,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs added.
The ministry indicated that Guarantees of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men Law prohibits indirect discrimination based on gender, including propaganda of gender inequality.
The Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations Law stipulates that the production, import and distribution of video, images and others with religious content shall be allowed after receiving a positive conclusion from a religious expert examination. The same law defines counteraction to the inculcation and dissemination of religious ideas and views that threaten public order, health and morality, the rights and freedoms of citizens, the Ministry of Internal Affairs underscored.
