Activists and human rights defenders in Almaty have condemned proposed legislative amendments aimed at banning so-called “LGBT propaganda” in Kazakhstan. Critics argue the initiative fosters an atmosphere of fear and hatred, undermines fundamental human rights, and risks isolating the country internationally. According to them, the issue is not about “propaganda” but about the right to visibility, safety, and dignity.
Penalties for Media, Posts, and Books
The public statements from rights groups follow a renewed effort to introduce such a ban. On October 29, a working group within the Mazhilis (the lower house of parliament) met to review amendments proposed by 15 deputies. The group approved the amendments, which stipulate that dissemination of content deemed as “LGBT propaganda,” if not qualifying as a criminal offense, would be punishable under the Code of Administrative Offenses.
Violations, including the distribution of content on social networks, could incur heavy fines or up to ten days of administrative arrest. Mazhilis deputy Yelnur Beisenbayev explained that “propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation” includes disseminating information that promotes such orientations publicly or via mass media, telecommunications, or online platforms, especially if intended to shape public opinion positively.
Fellow deputy Irina Smirnova cited library books and cartoons featuring same-sex relationships as examples, stating that she “saw books in the library that promote LGBT, where a prince falls in love with a prince, two boys. There are cartoons that allow this to be shown, there are magazines and comics where all this is promoted.” Deputy Natalya Dementyeva, meanwhile, emphasized that the ban would extend to social media, films, and advertising.
The LGBT clauses form part of a broader bill on “protecting children from harmful information,” which amends several existing laws, including those on children’s rights, advertising, education, cinema, and media. Rights advocates say this packaging blurs the true scope of the restrictions.
On November 12, the Mazhilis passed the bill in its second reading and forwarded it to the Senate for consideration. The legislation prohibits the dissemination of information promoting pedophilia and non-traditional sexual orientation in public spaces. It will only take effect if approved by the Senate and signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Activists Warn Against Repressive Precedents
Human rights advocates stress that Kazakhstan must avoid replicating repressive measures seen in Russia, where similar laws have led to broad crackdowns following the invasion of Ukraine.
“We live in an independent and sovereign republic. Or are we already a colony of the Russian Federation?” asked Zhanar Sekerbayeva, co-founder of the feminist initiative, Feminita. She noted that the LGBT community and activists in Kazakhstan have faced harassment for years.
“Because of these amendments, people can be punished for anything – jokes, drawings, hugs,” said Arj Tursynkan, an activist with the NGO Education Community. He argued that the legislation is not just a legal text, but a test of Kazakhstan’s commitment to international norms of dignity and freedom.
Independent human rights expert Tatyana Chernobyl added, “There is absolutely no reason to protect children from so-called LGBT propaganda at this time. The LGBTQI+ community in Kazakhstan is not protected either by law or in practice.” She described the amendments as inciting discrimination and violence.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have urged parliament to withdraw the bill, warning that its vague definition of ‘propaganda’ invites arbitrary enforcement and contravenes Kazakhstan’s international commitments under the ICCPR.
A Recurring Initiative
This is not the first legislative attempt to criminalize LGBT expression. In April 2024, deputies proposed criminal penalties for LGBT propaganda through changes to the media law, though the provision was later removed from the final bill.
Proponents of the ban often cite public opinion. An online petition titled “We are against open and covert LGBT propaganda in Kazakhstan” gathered 50,000 signatures in June of that year, enough for consideration at the government level. However, no comprehensive public opinion poll has been conducted. Some supporters have attempted to equate “LGBT propaganda” with incitement to social or religious hatred, which carries serious legal penalties in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan has positioned itself as a country open to international dialogue and investment, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence and digital technology. Activists warn that such prohibitive laws risk undermining that image and hampering economic development.
A Conservative Response
Political analyst Gaziz Abishev advocates a conservative stance, asserting that LGBT individuals should follow the same moral standards as heterosexuals.
“I am completely neutral towards representatives of various groups,” Abishev wrote on Telegram. “But they should be treated like ordinary people and behave accordingly. If heterosexuals are criticized for excessive public displays of sexuality, the same should apply to LGBT individuals.”
Abishev also rejected both anti-LGBT rhetoric from ultra-conservatives and what he called “hybrid incitement of hatred” by LGBT groups toward traditional values. “Not everyone is obliged to live in ultra-liberal families with the mandatory early disclosure of gender identity,” he stated.
Deputy Nikita Shatalov criticized international human rights organizations for opposing the legislation. “It is nonsense for someone to impose their point of view on us through informational pressure,” he said. “This is unacceptable.”
Shatalov emphasized that Kazakhstan does not and cannot engage in persecution based on identity, asserting that the bill focuses solely on public discourse and the protection of minors.
