Kazakh deputys back proposal to penalize LGBT “propaganda”

Tengrinews.kz – Members of Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis have supported legislative amendments introducing administrative penalties for so-called “propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation and pedophilia".
Under the proposed amendments, such actions—if they do not constitute a criminal offense—would be punished under the Administrative Code. Disseminating or posting content deemed to promote LGBT topics in the media or on social networks would result in a fine of 20 MCI (78,640 tenge in 2025). Repeated violations within a year could lead to a fine of 40 MCI (157,280 tenge) or up to 10 days of administrative arrest.
Mazhilis member Yelnur Beisenbayev explained how “propaganda” would be defined in legal terms.

“Propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation is understood as the dissemination of information about such orientation or commitment to it, made publicly or through mass media, telecommunications networks, or online platforms, including intentionally distorted information aimed at forming a positive public opinion,” he said.

Those opposing the amendments were also heard, though many were not part of the working group and therefore could not influence the vote. The majority of lawmakers supported the proposal, arguing that exposure to such content could “harm children’s mental health”.
Deputy Anas Bakkozhayev went further, suggesting that Kazakhstan’s Constitution should explicitly state that the country “does not recognize LGBT”.

“Sex is a biological characteristic fixed at birth. Sexual orientation is a behavioral form unrelated to biological sex or citizen rights. Therefore, I propose to enshrine in the Constitution that Kazakhstan does not recognize LGBT. There is a man and a woman—nothing else,” he stated.

Another Mazhilis member, Yedil Zhanbyrshin, said he disagreed with independent experts who spoke against the ban.

“We are not imprisoning anyone for being of a different orientation. People are free, they participate in social life. But we are talking about banning propaganda. It doesn’t need to be advertised,” he said.

The proposed amendments will next be submitted to a plenary session of the Mazhilis for further consideration and a final decision.
Earlier, lawmakers had already discussed a ban on LGBT “propaganda” across various media—from social networks and films to advertising. The amendment is planned to be added to the draft law on archives.
In 2023, deputies had also proposed criminalizing LGBT “propaganda,” equating it with incitement to social or religious hatred. However, the final version of the Law on Mass Media adopted in April 2024 did not include this provision.
In August, Kazakhstan’s authorities partially satisfied a public petition demanding protection of children and teenagers from “the promotion of sexual relations.” The petition had gathered the required 50,000 signatures, becoming only the third in the country to reach that threshold.