Tengrinews.kz — After new rules on the use of state symbols came into force, debates erupted on social media. Kazakhstanis wondered what would happen to Kazakhstan chocolate, clothing, caps and souvenirs featuring the state flag. The Ministry of Culture and Information has issued official clarifications.
Should chocolate and souvenirs be removed from sale
The ministry said the new rules do not provide for the seizure or destruction of products made earlier.
“The amendments regulate the further use of state symbols and do not establish an obligation to seize or destroy previously manufactured products,” the Ministry of Culture and Information said in its clarification.
Can people wear clothing with the flag of Kazakhstan
The ministry also explained that the ban concerns the use of the state flag specifically as an item of clothing, not any image of the flag.
“The rules prohibit using the state flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan specifically as an item of clothing, as well as bedding, curtains, tablecloths, rugs and other coverings,” the ministry noted.
At the same time, the image of the state flag on clothing is not prohibited in all cases.
“In particular, the resolution directly provides for the use of the image of the state flag on sports uniforms and athletes’ equipment. In other cases, the image is allowed if the requirements of the law are observed, provided that it does not distort the state symbol, is not used for commercial purposes and does not diminish its dignity,” the ministry said.
Can the state flag be used at events
The ministry also confirmed that citizens may still use the state flag during cultural, sports and public events.
“At the same time, the flag must remain clean and intact, must not touch the ground, floor or water, and must be used respectfully,” the statement said.
What remains prohibited
The ministry recalled that it is still prohibited to:
- use the state flag for advertising purposes;
- use it as clothing, bedding, curtains, tablecloths, rugs and other coverings;
- intentionally damage, destroy, burn, tear or throw away the state flag;
- use it in a way that demeans the dignity of the state symbol.
The amendments also clarify the procedure for displaying the state flag on buildings and balconies, requirements for its vertical display, its use on private homes and flagpoles, and also allow the state flag to be placed inside vehicles, provided that legal requirements are observed.
The ministry stressed that the amendments are not aimed at restricting expressions of patriotism, but at creating a unified and respectful approach to the use of state symbols.
The clarifications came after a broad discussion on social media following the publication of the new rules on the use of state symbols. Kazakhstanis began asking what would happen to Kazakhstan chocolate, souvenir products, T-shirts, caps and bags featuring the state flag.
Many feared that such products would have to be removed from sale or no longer used. Images raising these questions were widely shared on social media.
The new rules were approved by a government resolution. In particular, they prohibit the use of the state flag for advertising purposes, as well as as items of clothing, bedding, curtains, tablecloths, rugs and other coverings.
At the same time, the document allows the image of the state flag to be used on sports uniforms and athletes’ equipment, and also allows the flag to be placed inside cars and on private homes, provided that the established requirements are observed. The resolution will enter into force on July 13.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev earlier spoke about the need to update the rules on the use of state symbols. He noted that state symbols should unite citizens and be used with respect, while the new rules should help strengthen a culture of careful and respectful treatment of them.