Kazakhstan Senate Approves Law Banning LGBT and Pedophilia ‘Propaganda’

Overview

• The law restricts dissemination of content described as promoting pedophilia or non-traditional sexual orientation in public spaces, the media, telecommunications networks, and online platforms, according to the Senate committee.
• Violations are punishable by an administrative fine of about $140, doubled for repeat offenses, or up to ten days of administrative arrest, a deputy minister previously said.
• The measure stems from a citizens’ initiative launched roughly 18 months ago calling for a ban on LGBT propaganda.
• The legislation is packaged with provisions to preserve the National Archival Fund and increase document digitization.
• Domestic organizations opposed the bill and EU diplomats warned of reputational risks, while Human Rights Watch urged a veto and said the Senate also adopted a separate crime-prevention bill introducing the notion of “antisocial behavior.”