Kazakhstan: President Signs Repressive Russian-Style Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

Kazakhstan’s president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has ignored calls from human rights groups and signed discriminatory legislation that aims to outlaw so-called LGBTQ+ “propaganda”.

The amendments were passed earlier by the country’s Senate under the guise of protecting children from the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation”. They equate information about LGBTQ+ identity with the “propaganda of paedophilia”.

Human rights concerns

Human rights groups have warned that the restrictions undermine the rights to equality and non-discrimination by stigmatising LGBTQ+ people and anyone perceived to support them. They will also harm children by limiting their access to appropriate and accurate information about sexual and reproductive health.

ILGA-Europe said in a statement that the amendments provide a legal basis “for state censorship, threatening freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and the ability of individuals and organisations to access or share information”.

It added that the provisions “represent a significant setback for human rights, would legitimise hostility and violence towards an already vulnerable community, and would impose restrictions on journalism, education, healthcare, and civil society in Kazakhstan”.

Broad restrictions and penalties

The restrictions will effectively limit or outlaw any positive depictions of the LGBTQ+ community and diverse identities across media platforms, in advertising, and in education. Authorities can shut down platforms, and anyone found guilty of “LGBTQ propaganda” could face up to ten days in detention and fines.

Activists have noted that the wording of the amendments closely resembles the ban on “LGBTQ propaganda” introduced in Russia in 2013. That law has been used to silence LGBTQ people in the public sphere, including restricting Pride events and LGBTQ rights demonstrations.

Existing challenges for LGBTQ+ people

Human rights groups have pointed out that LGBTQ+ people in Kazakhstan already face widespread challenges because of their identity, including the government’s refusal to register NGOs that support LGBTQ+ rights.

They also report that LGBTQ+ people are often targets of assaults, threats, blackmail, and extortion by law enforcement officers.

ILGA-Europe has called on LGBTQ+ organisations, activists, and allies around the world to organise public protests in front of Kazakhstani embassies and consulates, and to highlight the harmful nature of the legislation.