Kazakhstan’s proposed anti-LGBTIQ+ propaganda ban, inserted into an unrelated archival affairs bill, has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights organizations. The controversial amendments, which could be voted on as early as November 12, would criminalize the public discussion of LGBTIQ+ issues with penalties including detention and fines.

Seven prominent human rights groups—Access Now, Civil Rights Defenders, Eurasian Coalition on Health, Rights, Gender and Sexual Diversity, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, International Partnership for Human Rights, and Norwegian Helsinki Committee—have issued a joint statement urging Kazakh lawmakers to reject the proposal.

The amendments were introduced on October 28, after the original archival affairs bill had already passed its first reading in parliament on September 17. The anti-LGBTIQ+ provisions bear a striking resemblance to Russia’s 2013 “gay propaganda” law, raising concerns about regional influence on Kazakhstan’s human rights trajectory.

If enacted, the law would prohibit “the dissemination of information about non-traditional sexual orientation and adherence to it, conducted publicly or through mass media, telecommunication networks or online platforms, including in a deliberately distorted form, to an undefined circle of persons, with the aim of forming a positive image.” The vague wording could potentially criminalize any positive or neutral discussion of LGBTIQ+ topics.

The amendments would impact multiple laws covering children’s rights, mass media, online platforms, advertising, communications, culture, and education. They would also allow authorities to block websites and digital content without court orders, significantly expanding government censorship powers.

According to activists who attended an October 29 meeting with lawmakers, the proposals have received endorsements from several government ministries, including Culture and Information, Internal Affairs, Health, and Education, as well as the Cabinet of Ministers. The amendments are supported by 15 deputies from various political parties.

The legislative maneuver has been criticized for its lack of transparency. Elnur Beisenbayev, executive secretary of the ruling Amanat Party, reportedly stated that the text would only be published after adoption, preventing public scrutiny or debate.

This legislative push contradicts Kazakhstan’s recent interactions with United Nations human rights bodies. Just two months ago, on September 3, the UN Human Rights Committee called on Kazakhstan to “redouble its efforts to combat discrimination, stereotypes and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons” and strengthen legal protections for LGBTIQ+ individuals.

Similarly, in 2023, the UN Committee against Torture expressed concern about violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity in Kazakhstan and urged authorities to address such violence.

The proposed ban occurs against a backdrop of ongoing challenges for LGBTIQ+ people in Kazakhstan, who already face discrimination, violence, and institutional barriers. The country’s laws currently do not protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and authorities have denied registration to organizations supporting LGBTIQ+ rights.

Human rights groups report that LGBTIQ+ individuals in Kazakhstan regularly experience assaults, threats, blackmail, and extortion from both law enforcement officers and private citizens. These abuses often go unpunished, creating a climate of impunity and distrust toward authorities.

Kazakhstan’s constitution nominally protects against discrimination and guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to receive and share information freely. International human rights groups are calling on Kazakhstan’s international partners to publicly condemn these proposed amendments and urge lawmakers to work with human rights organizations and LGBTIQ+ activists to strengthen protections rather than eroding them.

The bill must still pass a second reading in the lower house, approval by the Senate, and presidential signature before becoming law, offering multiple opportunities for the amendments to be removed.