Kazakhstan Senate approves “anti-LGBTI propaganda” package

Kazakhstan is facing renewed criticism from human rights groups and international partners after lawmakers advanced controversial amendments that would introduce broad restrictions on so-called “LGBTI propaganda” into national legislation.

On December 18, the Senate of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved a package of amendments that critics say could significantly curtail freedom of expression, media independence, and access to information. The proposals now await a final decision from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has the power to sign or reject the law.

While framed by supporters as a measure to protect “traditional values,” civil-society organisations warn that the amendments rely on vague and undefined notions of “propaganda,” creating wide discretion for state authorities. Legal experts argue that this ambiguity could allow the law to be applied far beyond LGBTQI+ issues, effectively expanding the state’s censorship toolkit.

Human rights groups say the proposed framework risks affecting journalism, education, healthcare, psychological support, cultural production, and public health information. Media outlets, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and civil-society organisations could face legal pressure simply for discussing issues related to gender, sexuality, or discrimination.

Advocacy organisations, including ILGA-Europe, have warned that the legislation mirrors similar “anti-propaganda” laws adopted in other post-Soviet states, where such measures have been used to silence dissent and stigmatise minorities. According to analysts, the use of LGBTQI+ communities as a legislative target reflects a broader pattern in which moral panic is mobilised to justify restrictions on civic space.

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