DUSHANBE, May 30, Asia-Plus -- Tajikistan’s lower chamber (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament has endorsed legislation initiated by President Emomali Rahmon to ban lavish weddings, funerals, and other private ceremonies. 

A regular sitting of the third session of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (MN) of the third convocation presided over by its speaker Saydullo Kairulloyev was held on May 30.  

Abdumannon Kholiqov, the head of the MN Committee on Public Order, Defense and Security, presenting the bill underlined the importance of the preliminary discussion of it with the public.  

Shodi Shabdolov, MP also leader of the Communist Party (CPT), seconded the draft law, pointing to the importance of not only economic but also social and demographic outcomes of the law.  The main thing is that the law should be observed, according to him.   

Addressing the session, MP and leader of the Islamic Revival Party (IRPT), Muhiddin Kabiri, noted that Tajik young clerics had earlier also proposed limits on wedding, funeral and other private gatherings spending. 

At the same time, Kabiri expressed concern that screened by this law local authorities could interfere in private life of citizens.   

He also proposed to think over regulating mass events that are funded from national budget.  

Parliamentarians approved the draft law unanimously. 

MPs also endorsed amendments to the law on public service and administrative code.  Under these amendments, those who break the rules will have to pay fees.    

The session also approved amendments to the laws on energy, state regulation of production and circulation of ethyl alcohol, industrial safety, and hydrometeorological activity.