The bill also bans polygamy. It is not clear how it deals with current families comprising one man married to multiple women.At the same time, the bill does not apply to any individual who is born into a community identified under the Scheduled Tribes list.The bill considers all types of offspring or children that a person may have equally, whether they are born out of wedlock, through artificial techniques, or adopted.Shantanu Thakur, Union minister for ports, shipping, and waterways, applauded the move and said it is a prerequisite for making India a developed country.Syed Tufail Hasan, Samajwadi Party leader and MP from Moradabad, said the bill has been pitched as ‘not against any community’.”If that is so, then I welcome it. If it contains anything that is contrary to the religious directives contained in the Quran, then we are not willing to accept that,” he said.When asked if he accepts one personal law framework for all, he said: “If it leaves space for all religions and communities to practice their belief, what objection can I have?”At the same time, he said the move is motivated by electoral considerations.The Indian National Congress, which is the main opposition in the state, opposed the new bill, claiming that it will impinge on people’s freedom to lead alternative lifestyles in keeping with their beliefs, traditions, and preferences.
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