Kazakhstan bans LGBT propaganda as Tokayev signs law
Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a law introducing restrictions on the dissemination of what is defined as LGBT propaganda in Kazakhstan, citing Akorda.
The Head of State signed the Law “On amendments and additions to certain legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on archival affairs and limiting the spread of unlawful content.” Under the new legislation, LGBT propaganda is now officially prohibited in Kazakhstan.
On December 18, senators approved the relevant amendments in the second reading.
The law introduces measures aimed at protecting children from information deemed harmful to their health and development. In particular, it restricts the placement and distribution of content in public spaces, as well as via mass media, telecommunications networks and online platforms, if such content is classified as promoting pedophilia or non-traditional sexual orientation.
Details on penalties for violating the new provisions are outlined in a separate Tengrinews.kz report.
Context
The discussion around banning LGBT propaganda in Kazakhstan began in April 2024, when members of the Mazhilis proposed amendments to the draft Law on Mass Media that would introduce such a restriction.
Later, some lawmakers went further, suggesting criminal liability for LGBT propaganda, proposing to equate it with incitement of social, national, tribal, racial, class or religious hatred. These proposals, however, were not included in the final version of the legislation.
In August, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture partially upheld a petition against LGBT propaganda, specifically supporting demands to protect children and teenagers from the promotion and cultivation of sexual relations.
The issue resurfaced again in October 2025, when lawmakers revisited the idea of banning LGBT propaganda and decided to include the amendment in a bill related to archival affairs.
As a result, on November 12, members of the Mazhilis approved the amendment banning LGBT propaganda. Under the new rules, any references to LGBT topics in films, advertising and social media may now fall under legal restrictions in Kazakhstan.