President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed the law titled “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Archival Affairs and Issues of Limiting the Distribution of Unlawful Content,” an Adyrna correspondent reports.
The document provides for restrictions on the placement of information promoting pedophilia and non-traditional sexual orientation in public spaces, mass media, telecommunication networks, and online platforms.
According to Senate representatives, the main purpose of the law is to protect children’s rights.
It should be noted that on November 12, deputies of the Mazhilis adopted the law banning LGBT propaganda. After the provisions come into force, such content will be subject to an 18+ age restriction and special labeling. Although the Senate was scheduled to consider the law on December 4, the document was removed from the agenda. The chamber explained this decision by the need for additional review of certain provisions.
The Ministry of Culture and Information stated that, after studying international practice, it found no evidence to support concerns that similar norms lead to increased aggression or social isolation of specific groups. Vice Minister Yevgeny Kochetov noted that even stricter restrictions have been introduced in other countries, yet no negative public reaction, as claimed by critics of the amendments, has emerged there.
On December 18, the Senate approved the law banning LGBT propaganda.
