[1] Polygamous marriages are not recognized under the law, but bigamy is not a crime.
[2][3] In practice, polygamy is common in Kazakhstan,[4] and is often seen as a sign of a man's social prestige.
In February 2011, presidential candidate Amatay Asilbek stated that legalizing polygamy was one of his campaign positions.
[8] Many proponents of the legislation of polygamous civil marriage in Kazakhstan have argued that legalizing polygamous marriage would help balance out the uneven population,[9] while others have cited the Qur'an as an argument in favor of such legislation, which permits men to marry up to four wives; according that he treats them equally and can financially look after them.
[10][11][12] Opponents argued that the practice was dangerous to society, while other groups viewed the legislation as discrimination against women, since it would not allow for polyandrous marriages, which sparked a social debate over a possible "common ground" resolution.