Polygamy discussions intensify in Russia

By Itar-Tass World Service writer Lyudmila Alexandrova

MOSCOW, July 17 (Itar-Tass) -- Active discussions have resumed of late
in Russia's Muslim regions on whether polygamy should be officially
allowed in the multi-confessional country.
Married men have become frequent guests at a dating Internet site in
Tatarstan's capital of Kazan searching for a second and even a third wife.
Potential brides responded it was immoral and unlawful, Rossiyskaya Gazeta
reported.
Several local publications and TV channels followed suit and initiated
a discussion on whether polygamy should be allowed in Tatarstan. Most
respondents of a TV poll said "yes".
Two years ago Tatarstan's President Mintimer Shaimiyev said: "Polygamy
will not work in our country as it is a major responsibility. I have been
in Arab countries and I know that men with several wives must create
decent living conditions for all of them."
20-year old Aliya said her "marriage" as a second wife with a man who
was twenty years older than she collapsed. Two years ago she agreed to
play the second role on condition the husband gives her everything the
official wife has - apartment, car and money - and spends the same amount
of time with her.
They concluded a contract, but the man preferred to stay more with his
official wife and children.
"He told me he made a mistake. I realized I was simply used by him
when he had problems with his wife, but when their relations improved I
was pushed to the background," she said.
Kazan mosque Imam Farhat Mavletdinov backs polygamy, as there are more
females than males in Tatarstan. "We do not have enough men for all women
to get married and give birth to children. There is no disgrace in
polygamy," he said. Mavletdinov had four wives, but admitted that jealousy
broke their unity.
President of Muslim Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov agreed with imam, as the
gender situation is alike in the republic. "Today we need polygamy. There
is no such law, but I am telling everyone: take a second wife if you have
a wish and possibility."
Former President of neighboring Ingushetia Ruslan Aushev also stands
for polygamy. He was actually the first high-ranking official who proposed
to introduce it several years ago.
Chairwoman of the Union of Muslim Women of Tatarstan Nailya Ziganshina
believes men are calling for polygamy not because of religion. "The Koran
allows, but does not oblige to have several wives," she said.
Deputy Chairman of the Council of Russian Muftis Damir Gizatullin said
"the issue of polygamy is well-grounded."
"The Russian laws ban it and we respect the laws. But people raise the
issue and it deserves respect," he said.
However, two-thirds of Orthodox Russians (62 percent) object polygamy
in the country, according to a poll by the Public Opinion Fund. Ten
percent said it is against national morality and traditions, eight percent
believe it contradicts Russian mentality, another eight percent object it
for religious reasons, five percent said it is immoral, and 6 percent
simply said it is wrong.
However 10 percent said they were positive about polygamy. Some said
it would help resolve the "gender problem" of insufficient male population
and increase the birth rate. Others believe it is a personal affair and
everyone should have a choice.
Nearly a quarter of the polled (23 percent) said they are indifferent
about polygamy.
-0-nec