MP calls for toughening LGBTQI+ laws in Azerbaijan

A new draft law on LGBTQI+ has been prepared in Turkey. The draft envisions imprisonment of 1 to 3 years for those who openly promote LGBTQI+, and stricter sanctions for both those undergoing surgery and doctors for unauthorized gender adaptation procedures. The organization of engagement and wedding ceremonies for people of the same sex may also be prohibited. The draft is still in the discussion stage and a final decision has not been made. Against the background of this initiative, the issue of tightening similar restrictions in Azerbaijan has been put up for public discussion.

In a statement to azxeber.com, MP Javanshir Pashazadeh presented LGBTQI+ as a group “unwelcome to any society” and characterized their visibility as a threat to the future of young people. He called the discussion of LGBTQI+ topics in the press and on television “propaganda” and proposed strengthening legislation and public control, and toughening penalties for LGBTQI+.

Pashazadeh said in his statement:

"I would not wish people from this group to any society or state. The formation of such issues in Azerbaijani society and the integration of people into it can lead to the destruction of the future of young people. This is not an action that suits us. Azerbaijan is a democratic state and is based on the principles of democracy. Perhaps certain rules have been adopted in the law in accordance with the experience of other states. However, these issues are unacceptable from the point of view of the future of society and the state internally. Because the future of people, our citizens, and especially our youth is directly affected here."

The MP’s statements demonstrate that queer identities are framed in the context of public danger, moral risk, and “influence on young people.” Such rhetoric presents LGBTQI+s as a collective “problem” rather than as individual subjects of law, and removes their visibility, freedom of expression, and public presence from the realm of legitimate discussion. At the same time, the special emphasis on media and digital space suggests that the expression of queer issues on online platforms is also viewed as a potential object of control and restriction.

In the Azerbaijani context, the MP’s calls for tougher penalties raise questions about the already limited safety and freedom of expression of queer people. The presentation of LGBTQI+ issues as “contrary to moral values” continues a long-standing pattern of public stigmatization and may pave the way for legal initiatives.

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