Kazakhstan Now Bans “LGBT Propaganda”
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed on December 30 a number of amendments aimed at banning so-called “LGBT propaganda.” The legislative changes were harshly criticized by both international and local rights groups.
The new rules make it illegal to display, post, or advertise “non-traditional sexual orientations” in media (including theater and cinema), literature, educational material, or advertisement.
According to the proponents of the changes, the main goal is to protect children from potentially harmful content.
Violations are punishable with a fine of 20 Monthly Calculation Indicator (around $150 in 2025). Repeat offenses would incur a larger fine or administrative detention for 10 days. Law enforcement will only check for violations based on specific requests or complaints.
In their criticism toward the legislative changes, the European Union, together with the United Nations, consider these amendments as a potential way to institutionalize discrimination.
Aleska Simkić, the European Union’s ambassador to Kazakhstan, told Vlast in an interview that the premise of banning “LGBT propaganda” is flawed.
“[These amendments] might actually become a cause for discrimination. There is no such thing as propaganda about LGBT.”
The Majilis, the lower chamber of Parliament, had approved the amendments in November.
Simkić’s meeting with the deputy Speaker of the Senate in early December had pushed back the approval of the amendments. Just two weeks later, however, the Senate hastily and unanimously approved the new legislative infrastructure.
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