Kazakhstan Senate approves bill banning LGBT “propaganda” in public spaces

The Kazakh Senate has approved in the second reading a set of amendments aimed at banning LGBT “propaganda” in the country.

The legislative changes are part of the law titled “On Amendments and Additions Regarding Archival Affairs and Limiting the Dissemination of Illegal Content,” which also introduces revisions to the Labor Code and twelve other statutes, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

Nurtore Jusip, chairman of the relevant parliamentary committee, emphasized the intended outcomes of the legislation. “The expected outcomes of adopting the law are to ensure the preservation of the National Archive Fund and Kazakhstan’s historical and cultural heritage, to increase the share of digitized documents, and to protect the minds of the younger generation from illegal content,” he said.

Once enacted, the amendments will prohibit the promotion of non-traditional sexual relationships on social media. The legislation will establish a clear definition of “promotion of non-traditional sexual orientation” and ban its dissemination across media platforms and online channels.

The proposals also include measures to remove explicit LGBT-related content from films. Earlier reports indicated that the amendments would extend to mass gatherings, including weddings and corporate events, further broadening the scope of the restrictions.

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The Senate of Kazakhstan’s Parliament has approved in the first reading a bill prohibiting the dissemination of information in public spaces that promotes pedophilia and non-traditional sexual orientation, Kazinform reports. 

Aimed at protecting children from information that could harm their health and development, the law sets out restrictions on the publication of such content in public spaces, as well as through mass media, telecommunications networks, and online platforms.

In 2025, Kazakhstan’s parliament moved forward with a controversial legislative initiative to restrict the dissemination of information that authorities describe as “propaganda of non‑traditional sexual orientation.” The proposed amendments would ban such content in public spaces, mass media, telecommunications networks, and online platforms, and impose fines and administrative penalties for violations, including up to 10 days in detention for repeat offences. The legislation was passed by the Mazhilis (lower house of parliament) in November 2025 and submitted to the Senate (upper house) for further consideration. 

Supporters of the bill — including lawmakers and some social organisations — argue that the measures are designed to protect children and adolescents from information they claim could “negatively affect their understanding of family, morality, and development.” Public statements by deputies emphasised the goal of limiting the spread of content on digital platforms and in the media that authorities say promotes non‑traditional sexual relations or controversial behaviours. 

However, the initiative has drawn significant criticism from international human rights groups and LGBT+ rights activists, who warn that the law would institutionalise discrimination and restrict freedom of expression. Organisations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have stated that such bans risk stigmatising sexual minorities, violating Kazakhstan’s international human rights obligations, and could curtail media and civic freedoms. 

Earlier in the legislative process, the Senate postponed consideration of the amendments to allow for additional review, but later resumed debate, and on 18 December 2025, the Senate approved the bill in its first reading. The draft law still requires final ratification and the signature of President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev to come into force.

By Vugar Khalilov