Kazakhstan bans so-called LGBTQ+ propaganda

"The Central Asian country of Kazakhstan has joined its neighbor Russia in banning so-called LGBTQ+ propaganda. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a bill to that effect into law Tuesday, news service Anadolu Agency reports. It bans "pedophilia propaganda" as well, according to the service. Punishment for violations include a fine of 144,500 Kazakh tenge ($280) and jailing for up to 10 days."

"When the Senate was considering the legislation, Sen. Ruslan Rustemov described it as "banning the use of media, literature, entertainment, and other events that promote nontraditional sexual relations and pedophilia," according to Kazakh news outlet Vlast.kz, as translated by The Diplomat, a newsmagazine covering the Asia-Pacific region. "An analysis of international experience shows that many countries around the world have adopted legislation that ensures the protection of national values and traditions, including those that provide for the protection of the institution of the traditional family," Rustemov said."

Kazakhstan enacted legislation banning so-called LGBTQ+ propaganda and "pedophilia propaganda," with penalties including a 144,500 tenge ($280) fine and up to 10 days in jail. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the bill after the lower chamber approved it in November and the Senate passed it on December 18. The measure followed a citizen petition urging a prohibition on pro-LGBTQ+ materials roughly a year and a half earlier. A senator described the law as banning media, literature, entertainment, and events that promote nontraditional sexual relations and pedophilia, framing it as protecting national values and the traditional family. The justice vice minister said LGBT identity will not be illegal but public promotion of LGBT rights will be restricted. International human rights organizations condemned the legislation while it was pending.

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