Dispute Over Dual Surnames in Kyrgyzstan: Genealogists Oppose the Initiative

In Kyrgyzstan, a legislative proposal that would allow parents to give their children dual surnames, hyphenating the surnames of both parents, has sparked intense public debate. This initiative to amend the Law "On Acts of Civil Status" has faced significant criticism from proponents of traditional values, as reported by 24.kz.

According to the draft law published on June 17, parents would have the discretion to assign a dual surname to their child. However, the community of genealogists and the council of elders view this change as a threat to the Kyrgyz "Jeti Ata" (seven generations) institution. Representatives of the Public Genealogy Academy fear that such an initiative could weaken the centuries-old genealogical continuity and undermine the historical roots of the people.

One of the bill's authors, MP Dastan Bekeshev, considers the criticisms unfounded. He explained that the norm is primarily aimed at ensuring the rights of other ethnic groups living in Kyrgyzstan. The main objective of the initiative is to protect the legal interests of citizens who wish to preserve their surnames.

The MP stated that the proposed norm has no negative impact on the Kyrgyz "Jeti Ata" tradition and noted that relevant clarifications could be added to the bill if necessary. Currently, the draft law is in the public discussion stage. The debate between government officials and supporters of traditional values continues.