Senate postpones consideration of LGBT propaganda ban

Tengrinews.kz – Today, December 4, senators were supposed to consider amendments introducing a ban on LGBT propaganda in Kazakhstan. However, this issue was removed from the meeting agenda.

What happened

On December 3, the Senate’s official channel published an announcement for the upcoming session.

The Thursday agenda originally included three issues:

• improving subsoil use in the hydrocarbon and uranium sectors;
• amendments to legislation on administrative justice, rule-making, and legal assistance;
• archival affairs and restrictions on the dissemination of unlawful content (the ban on LGBT propaganda).

An hour later, an updated announcement appeared — the third issue, the LGBT-propaganda ban, had been removed from the agenda.

Why it was removed

The Senate press service explained that deputies decided to postpone discussion “to a later date.”

“The reason is the need for additional refinement of certain provisions. It is important to note that the law introduces amendments to the Labor Code and 12 other laws. This is extensive work that requires more time,” the statement said.

They also emphasized that the bill concerns the protection of children’s rights, “which always requires a particularly careful and balanced approach.”

What the amendments would ban

Once these amendments come into force, propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations will be prohibited on social networks in the country.

A clear definition of “propaganda of non-traditional orientation” will be introduced, and its dissemination in the media and online will be banned.

There have even been proposals to cut explicit LGBT-themed scenes from films.

It was also previously reported that the ban would apply to mass events — for example, toi celebrations and corporate parties.