Kazakhstan Follows Russia: Parliament Passes Ban on 'LGBT Propaganda'

On November 12, Kazakhstan's lower house of parliament, known as the Mazhilis, gave its approval to a law that bans propaganda of pedophilia and non-traditional sexual orientation. This move follows a similar law already in place in Russia, which has led to many LGBT people leaving the country.

Deputy Elnur Beysenbayev introduced the draft law, explaining it's meant to protect children from harmful content online. The rules stop the open promotion of both pedophilia and what they call non-traditional orientation in public settings. It ajusts nine major laws related to children's rights, advertising, communications, culture, education, film, and media.

Parliament members believe the changes will limit the public spread of such information. Beysenbayev said that these rules don't take away anyone's personal rights but set limits on how this information is shared with the public, which he says is in line with international practices.

He says that young people in Kazakhstan often see content online that could harm their views on family, morals, and the future. He added that protecting young people from illegal content is about their safety and mental well-being.

Beysenbayev mentioned research from Kazakhstan's National Fund for Assistance to Progress, which suggests that legalizing and promoting non-traditional relationships might confuse young people.

Since Russia passed its LGBT propaganda law, films have been censored, some songs have been banned, and fines have been issued to those who publish stories about athletes and public figures coming out.

Some international human rights groups are against the Kazakhstan law. They believe it violates human rights and could lead to discrimination and penalties.

Deputy Nikita Shatalov responded by saying that Kazakhstan will still follow its international promises and doesn't punish people for their sexual orientation.

The law will now go to the Senate for review and then to the President to be signed into effect.