Iran polygamy bill causes controversy

Tehran: A bill that would allow men in Iran to take additional wives without the consent of their first wife has generated so much controversy that parliament had to postpone a vote for more debate.

Polygamy is not practiced in mainstream Iranian society, but the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has pursued amendments to a landmark women's rights bill to allow multiple marriages.

The Family Protection Bill was drawn up by with the intention of allowing women to serve as judges. But the push to add articles allowing multiple marriages without the first wife's consent has raised controversy.