Kazakhstan Parliament Approves Bill Banning Promotion of “Non-Traditional Sexual Orientation”

Kazakhstan’s parliament yesterday passed a bill prohibiting the promotion of what it terms “non-traditional sexual orientation” in public spaces and media, mirroring legislation enacted in Russia.

The legislation, which still requires approval from the upper house, would ban “information containing propaganda of pedophilia and/or non-traditional sexual orientation.” Rights groups have condemned the measure as discriminatory, warning it will increase the vulnerability of LGBTQ individuals in the Central Asian nation. The International Partnership for Human Rights stated that adopting the law “would blatantly violate Kazakhstan’s international human rights commitments.”

The move comes as Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is currently on a state visit to Moscow, where a strategic partnership agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to be signed. Earlier this year, Tokayev criticized the rise of what he called LGBTQ values, echoing rhetoric used by Moscow and alleging external interference through NGOs. This legislation could further strain Kazakhstan’s relationship with Western nations. Russia adopted similar laws in 2013, expanding them after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Located between Russia and China, Kazakhstan is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. The country’s government has stated it aims to balance relationships with both superpower neighbors and the West. Further action on the bill is expected in the coming weeks, and officials have indicated they believe it is necessary to protect traditional values. You can learn more about LGBTQ+ rights globally from Amnesty International.