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Kazakhstan’s Majilis Passes Ban on ‘Propaganda’ of Pedophilia and ‘Non‑Traditional’ Sexual Orientation

The measure now advances to the Senate before requiring the president's signature.

Overview

  • The lower house voted unanimously to adopt amendments prohibiting distribution of such content in public spaces, media, telecom networks and online platforms.
  • The provisions are part of a wider bill on archival policy and unlawful content that would amend laws on children’s rights, advertising, communications, culture, education, cinematography and mass media.
  • A group of 18 MPs initiated the changes after a 2024 petition topped 50,000 signatures calling for limits on LGBT “propaganda.”
  • Lead sponsor Elnur Beysenbaev framed the move as protection of minors and said it sets boundaries on public dissemination without restricting private rights.
  • International rights organizations criticized the language as likely to enable censorship and mirror Russian restrictions, a comparison lawmakers rejected.