Ban on LGBT propaganda: films in Kazakhstan to be reviewed before release

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan has approved rules for pre-release film review, which are set to come into force on June 12. The relevant document was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva.

According to the document, to obtain a distribution certificate in Kazakhstan, film rights holders must submit to the authorized body the version of the film intended for theatrical release, identical to its distribution version.

To be shown on the big screen in Kazakhstan, a film must be checked for materials containing propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation, pedophilia, pornography, as well as the cult of cruelty and violence.

As a reminder, in 2026 Kazakhstan officially introduced a ban on LGBT propaganda and positive coverage of this topic. Films containing scenes involving non-traditional relationships were banned from screening in Kazakhstan. Earlier, the country proposed cutting explicit scenes from films.

At the same time, the ban on LGBT propaganda does not imply a ban on sexual orientation itself. This was previously stated by the Ministry of Justice.