Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament has passed a law banning the dissemination of so-called LGBT “propaganda”, citing concerns over children’s exposure to “harmful content,” Telegram news channel Krovavaya Barynya reported on Wednesday.
Mazhilis Deputy Elnur Beisenbaev, who leads ruling party Amanet’s parliamentary faction, said that “growing public concern over protecting children and teenagers from harmful content in the digital space” was the primary motivation behind the amendments.
“Children and adolescents are exposed daily to information online that can negatively affect their understanding of family, morality and the future. Protecting the consciousness of the younger generation from unlawful content is a matter of safety and mental health,” Beisenbaev said.
The amendments highlight a clear stance on “propaganda of a non-traditional sexual orientation”, according to Krovavaya Barynya. Once in force, any media or online dissemination related to LGBT topics will be prohibited.
Beisenbaev stressed that the changes did not equate to “banning” or “cancelling” members of the LGBT community, stating that “nobody’s personal rights are being restricted”.
Queer activists have condemned the legislation, calling it a “copy and paste” of Russia’s controversial 2013 law, according to independent Kazakh media outlet Vlast. Offenders could face fines of up to 78,640 tenge (€130) per violation or up to 10 days’ imprisonment.
International human rights organisations have warned that the amendments could increase the vulnerability of the LGBT community and violate Kazakhstan’s obligations under international human rights law, including the right of children to access education, health and access to information.