A scandal has erupted in Kazakhstan's online community after a man began openly displaying his life with three wives. Users are debating the legality and ethics of such unions in a secular state, reports infohub.kz.
Bauyrzhan Bakytzhanuly has turned his blog into a platform promoting polygamy. He regularly posts videos and photos with several women with whom he shares a household. Their faces are concealed.
"We live, work, raise children and take responsibility for our choices. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion," the blogger wrote, adding that his family "certainly does not make the world a worse place."
He stated that he has no intention of hiding his family status, as he considers secret unions a sign of cowardice. In his view, no woman should marry a man who fears making his relationships public.
"They are not just an adornment of my life; they are its peace. Each is different, with her own character, dreams, and experiences. I thank Allah for women who know how to love, support, and inspire," Bakytzhanuly wrote under one of his videos.
His posts have sparked a wave of criticism and debate among users, dividing Kazakhstan's online community into two camps.
Many commenters reminded that Kazakhstan is a secular republic where polygamy is officially banned and demanded that law enforcement respond to the content. Users expressed the view that such posts "turn the institution of family inside out" and violate women's rights under the guise of religion.
Some men supported Bakytzhanuly, applauding his lifestyle and courage. They thanked his wife for her wisdom and submissiveness and wished their union family well-being.
"One microflora," "Mashallah brother! The main thing is that you are happy," "This propaganda of polygamy infuriates me," users wrote.
Despite mass tags of official law enforcement accounts under Bakytzhanuly's posts, the police and ministry representatives have yet to issue a legal assessment of his actions.
Earlier, it was reported that Kazakh bloggers Aitugan Galymov and Asem, known online as Erkewoka, have been one of the most discussed topics in the Kazakh-speaking segment of social media for the second week. After a 'syrga salu' ceremony with a new bride, despite Galymov having an official wife and children, debates about the permissibility of polygamy erupted around the couple.