Kazakh Senate postpones consideration of “LGBT propaganda” bill

The Senate of Kazakhstan has postponed the review of a bill on so-called “LGBT propaganda” to a later date, the Senate’s press service said on December 4.

The delay is due to the need to work out additional provisions, the press office added, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

The bill, which is being considered alongside legislation on archival affairs, proposes amendments to the Labor Code and 12 other laws.

Earlier today, the Senate removed the draft law banning LGBT propaganda from the agenda of today’s plenary session, although it had previously been scheduled for discussion.

The move comes after EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan Aleška Simkič expressed concerns about the proposed amendments during a meeting with Senate Deputy Chairman Zhakip Asanov, urging revisions to align with international standards on freedom of expression and non-discrimination.

As a reminder, on November 12, 2025, the Majlis (lower house) unanimously passed the amendments in a 15-minute debate that drew sharp criticism for its haste and lack of opposition. 

The bill targets "dissemination of information" on non-traditional orientations via media, online platforms, or public means, defining propaganda broadly as content forming a "positive image" for an "undefined circle."

By Khagan Isayev