In a move that echoes similar legislation in neighboring Russia, Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament has approved a law prohibiting the dissemination of LGBT “propaganda,” citing child protection concerns. The Mazhilis, Kazakhstan’s parliament, passed the amendments on Wednesday according to reporting from Telegram news channel Krovavaya Barynya.

Elnur Beisenbaev, who heads the ruling Amanat party’s parliamentary faction, framed the legislation as a response to mounting public concern over children’s exposure to potentially harmful online content.

“Children and adolescents are exposed daily to information online that can negatively affect their understanding of family, morality and the future,” Beisenbaev said. “Protecting the consciousness of the younger generation from unlawful content is a matter of safety and mental health.”

The amendments specifically target what lawmakers term “propaganda of a non-traditional sexual orientation.” Once implemented, the law will prohibit any media or online content related to LGBT topics, representing a significant restriction on free speech and information access regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

While defending the legislation, Beisenbaev attempted to draw a distinction between the law’s aims and discrimination, insisting that “nobody’s personal rights are being restricted” and that the amendments do not amount to “banning” or “cancelling” LGBT individuals. However, these assurances have done little to allay concerns from human rights advocates.

The legislation establishes penalties for violations that include fines of up to 78,640 tenge (approximately €130) per offense or detention for up to 10 days, creating significant legal risks for journalists, activists, and others who might discuss LGBT issues.

LGBTQ advocates within Kazakhstan have criticized the law, with independent Kazakh media outlet Vlast reporting that activists view it as a “copy and paste” of Russia’s controversial 2013 “gay propaganda” law. That Russian legislation has been widely condemned by international organizations for fostering discrimination and contributing to increased hostility toward LGBT people.

International human rights organizations have raised alarms about the potential consequences of Kazakhstan’s new law. Critics warn that beyond its immediate speech restrictions, the legislation could further marginalize an already vulnerable community and potentially lead to increased discrimination and violence against LGBT individuals in Kazakhstan.

Human rights groups have also pointed out that the law appears to contradict Kazakhstan’s obligations under international human rights frameworks, including children’s rights to comprehensive education, health information, and access to information. These organizations argue that rather than protecting children, such legislation may actually harm them by restricting access to potentially important health and educational resources.

The legislation represents part of a broader trend across several post-Soviet states that have adopted similar restrictions in recent years. These laws often frame LGBT issues as foreign concepts at odds with traditional values, a narrative that resonates with certain conservative constituencies but has raised concerns about growing authoritarianism and rights restrictions.

For Kazakhstan, a country that has sought to position itself as more progressive and open than some of its Central Asian neighbors, the law signals a potential shift toward more conservative social policies. The legislation now moves to Kazakhstan’s upper house for consideration before it can be signed into law by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Rights advocates within and outside Kazakhstan have called for the upper house to reject the amendments, arguing that true child protection comes through education and inclusivity rather than censorship and restrictions on information.