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Kazakhstan’s Senate has approved a controversial law that bans the promotion of “nontraditional” sexual orientations, marking a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights in the Central Asian nation. The legislation, passed on December 18, will impose fines and possible detention on those deemed to be promoting non-heterosexual relationships.
The bill, which was previously approved by the Majilis (Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament) on November 12, faced delays in the Senate review process. Initially scheduled for discussion on December 4, the Senate abruptly removed the law from its agenda on December 3—coincidentally the same day that Deputy Senate Speaker Zhakip Asanov and other parliamentarians met with European Union Ambassador Aleshka Simkich.
Senator Ruslan Rustemov explained that the legislation implements a comprehensive ban on LGBT “propaganda,” prohibiting “the use of media, literature, entertainment, and other events that promote nontraditional sexual relations and pedophilia.” In defending the measure, Rustemov claimed that many countries worldwide have adopted similar legislation to protect “national values and traditions” and the “institution of the traditional family.”
Government officials have insisted that the law underwent thorough consultation and debate. Vice Minister of Culture and Information Yevgeny Kocheto emphasized that the process included all relevant NGOs and human rights organizations since discussions began in June 2024. “All meetings were held as openly as possible. At every stage, all participants were heard,” Kocheto stated.
However, this characterization has been strongly disputed by activists. On December 10, reports emerged that the Ministry of Culture had rejected a petition against the law filed by several Kazakh NGOs, including QUEER KZ, Feminita, and Education Community, raising questions about the government’s openness to opposing viewpoints.
International human rights organizations have been sounding alarms about the legislation for months. On November 11, a coalition of seven international human rights groups—including Human Rights Watch and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee—urged Kazakhstan’s parliament to reject the law. Their joint statement warned that the proposed amendments would violate fundamental human rights and increase the vulnerability of LGBTQ+ people in Kazakhstan.
“Adopting an ‘LGBT propaganda ban’ would blatantly violate Kazakhstan’s international human rights commitments, including children’s rights to education, health, and information,” the groups stated. “Discriminatory and rights-violating provisions like those being proposed have no place in any democratic society, which Kazakhstan aspires to be.”
Following the Senate’s approval, Vice Minister Kocheto acknowledged the need for clarity on enforcement, promising that “all these discussions will be as open as possible.” According to local media outlet Vlast.kz, content will only be checked for “LGBT propaganda” in response to complaints filed with the ministry.
Violations could result in significant penalties. First-time offenders face fines of approximately 150,000 Kazakh tenge ($285), while repeat offenses could see penalties doubled to 300,000 tenge ($572) or even result in administrative detention.
Vice Minister of Justice Botagoz Zhakselekova attempted to draw distinctions between identity and advocacy, stating that “LGBT affiliation is not an offense under either Kazakhstani or international law. We do not establish liability for this. This concerns exclusively propaganda. It is related to the public promotion of LGBT rights.”
Critics point out a fundamental contradiction in this reasoning: while being LGBTQ+ remains legal in Kazakhstan, advocating for the equal rights of such persons is now prohibited. This raises serious questions about how the law aligns with Kazakh citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association.
The legislation now moves to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s desk for his signature, which would formalize its implementation. The move places Kazakhstan among a growing number of former Soviet states implementing similar restrictions on LGBTQ+ expression, raising concerns about a regional retreat from human rights protections.
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11 Comments
This is a disappointing development. Promoting diversity and inclusion should be a priority, not criminalizing LGBTQ+ expression. I hope the international community condemns this law and presses Kazakhstan to protect the rights of all its citizens.
Well said. Restricting LGBTQ+ representation under the guise of ‘protecting traditions’ is a concerning trend we’ve seen in other countries as well. This law sets a dangerous precedent that must be challenged.
This law seems to be a clear violation of fundamental human rights. Banning LGBTQ+ content is a form of discrimination that should not be tolerated. I hope civil society in Kazakhstan can mobilize to overturn this regressive legislation.
This law seems to fly in the face of international human rights norms. Restricting LGBTQ+ representation in media and entertainment is a worrying infringement on free expression. I worry about the chilling effect this could have.
Agreed, this law is a major setback for LGBTQ+ rights in Kazakhstan. Protecting ‘traditional family values’ should not come at the expense of basic human dignity and equality for all citizens.
This is a concerning development for human rights in Kazakhstan. Restricting LGBTQ+ content sets a dangerous precedent and goes against principles of free expression and equality. I hope the international community closely monitors this situation.
Agreed, this law seems to unfairly target and marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals. All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
While I understand the desire to uphold cultural traditions, this law seems to go too far in restricting LGBTQ+ content. All people deserve to see themselves represented in media, literature, and public life.
It’s disappointing to see Kazakhstan take this regressive step. Banning LGBTQ+ content sets a dangerous precedent and undermines fundamental human rights. I hope civil society can push back against this harmful legislation.
The stated rationale of ‘protecting traditional family values’ is troubling. Diversity and inclusion should be celebrated, not criminalized. I worry this law could embolden further intolerance and discrimination.
You raise a valid point. Restricting LGBTQ+ content under the guise of ‘protecting traditions’ is a common tactic used to justify discrimination. True family values should embrace acceptance and understanding for all.