World

Kazakhstan has enshrined marriage as a union between a man and a woman

In Kazakhstan, a new Constitution was approved via referendum, in which marriage is enshrined as a "voluntary and equal union of a man and a woman"

23/Mar/26

Kazakhstan has enshrined marriage as a union between a man and a woman

In Kazakhstan, a new Constitution was approved via referendum, in which marriage is enshrined as a "voluntary and equal union of a man and a woman." Authorities explained this provision by citing the need to "strengthen the protection of traditional values and women's rights."

In January of last year, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the state must protect "traditional cultural values" and counter the "promotion of destructive, immoral behavioral models."

The new Constitution was adopted just a few months after a law banning so-called "LGBT propaganda" was signed in Kazakhstan. Human rights defenders warned that this document entrenches stigma at the state level, restricts freedom of expression, and could institutionalize discrimination.

In addition to the provision regarding marriage, the new Constitution significantly alters the country's political system: the parliament becomes unicameral, the office of vice president is reinstated, and presidential power—as noted by the media and critics of the reform—is only further consolidated.

According to the Central Election Commission, 87.15% of voters cast their ballots in favor of the new Constitution, with a voter turnout of 73.12%. The new Constitution is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.