### Kazakhstan's Legislative Shift: A New Law Banning LGBT Propaganda Kazakhstan's Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament, has recently passed a controversial law that bans what it terms "LGBT propaganda." This legislative move has drawn significant attention and criticism from both local and international human rights organizations. The law, which was added to a draft concerning archival affairs, reflects a growing trend in Central Asia and echoes similar legislation in Russia, raising concerns about the implications for human rights and freedoms in the region [https://en.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/kazakhstan-to-ban-lgbt-propaganda-mazhilis-passes-the-law-270125][https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/central-asia/kazakhstan-law-lgbtq-propaganda-b2863573.html]. ### Structure of the Legislative Action and Reactions 1. **Legislative Approval**: - The Mazhilis approved the law on November 12, 2025, with a unanimous vote, indicating strong support among lawmakers [https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/kazakhstans-parliament-passes-law-against-lgbt-propaganda]. - The law prohibits the promotion of "non-traditional sexual values" in public spaces, media, and online platforms, with penalties including fines and potential jail time for repeat offenders [https://www.freedom969.com/world-news/kazakhstans-parliament-passes-law-against-lgbt-propaganda]. 2. **International Criticism**: - Human rights groups have condemned the legislation, arguing that it violates fundamental human rights and freedoms [https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Nov/12/kazakhstan-parliament-approves-law-banning-lgbtq-promotion-echoing-russia]. - Activists have drawn parallels between Kazakhstan's new law and similar laws in Russia, suggesting a concerning trend towards increased repression of LGBTQ+ rights in the region [https://www.hpenews.com/news/national/kazakh-parliament-passes-russian-style-anti-lgbtq-law/article_32aa11a4-4c1d-59c0-9cb4-9f469a16bc6a.html]. 3. **Public and Political Context**: - The law was passed during President Tokayev's visit to Moscow, which some speculate may have influenced the timing and nature of the legislation [https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Nov/12/kazakhstan-parliament-approves-law-banning-lgbtq-promotion-echoing-russia]. - The move has sparked debates within Kazakhstan about the balance between cultural values and human rights, with many citizens expressing concern over the implications for personal freedoms [https://kz.kursiv.media/en/2025-11-12/engk-yeri-human-rights-groups-slam-kazakhstans-russia-style-lgbt-propaganda-law]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Legislative Action - **Penalties**: The law stipulates fines of approximately 121,000 tiyn (around £175) for first-time offenders, escalating to jail time for repeat violations [https://www.scenemag.co.uk/kazakhstans-parliament-approves-bill-outlawing-lgbt-propaganda]. - **Comparative Legislation**: The law mirrors similar anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Russia, which has been criticized for fostering a climate of discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals [https://www.hpenews.com/news/national/kazakh-parliament-passes-russian-style-anti-lgbtq-law/article_32aa11a4-4c1d-59c0-9cb4-9f469a16bc6a.html]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the New Law The passage of the law banning LGBT propaganda in Kazakhstan marks a significant shift in the country's legislative landscape, reflecting broader regional trends towards the restriction of LGBTQ+ rights. 1. **Legislative Action**: The Mazhilis has enacted a law that imposes strict penalties for the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, aligning with similar laws in Russia. 2. **Human Rights Concerns**: This move has been met with widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, highlighting the potential for increased discrimination and repression. 3. **Cultural and Political Context**: The law's timing during a diplomatic visit to Moscow suggests a possible influence of external political dynamics on domestic legislation. **In summary, the new law poses serious questions about the future of human rights in Kazakhstan and the potential for increased societal division over issues of sexual orientation and identity** [https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/central-asia/kazakhstan-law-lgbtq-propaganda-b2863573.html][https://www.freedom969.com/world-news/kazakhstans-parliament-passes-law-against-lgbt-propaganda].