Press Release
Kazakhstan President Should Veto Anti-Gay Bill
Region(s)
TOPIC(s)
Publish Date
December 22, 2025
Authors
New York, December 22, 2025 — On December 18 Kazakhstan’s Senate voted in support of a bill that would prohibit “propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation.” The law now awaits signature by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Outright International calls on President Tokayev to reject the bill in order to uphold freedom of expression and preserve access to essential services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Kazakhstan.
The bill, entitled “Amendments and Supplements to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Limiting Propaganda of Non-Traditional Sexual Orientation and Related Provisions,” is composed of a series of amendments that introduce broad prohibitions on disseminating information related to sexual diversity. “Propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation” is defined as “the dissemination of information about non-traditional sexual orientation and (or) adherence to it, carried out publicly or using mass media, telecommunication networks, or online platforms, including intentionally distorted information for an undefined circle of persons, for the purpose of forming positive public opinion." The bill would create a legal framework that exposes people to prosecution for for simply discussing LGBTQ people or issues.
“These amendments erect barriers to lawful expression and undermine access to essential information and services,” said Neela Ghoshal, Senior Director of Law, Policy, and Research at Outright International. “The language and scope of these provisions will cut off queer people in Kazakhstan from competent healthcare, comprehensive education, and workplace opportunities, and limit the ability of all people in Kazakhstan to freely express their opinions.”
If the bill is enacted, Kazakhstan will become the latest in a wave of countries that have followed Russia in defining peaceful discussion of identities and human rights as illegal “propaganda,” attempting to silence queer people, movements, and their allies. Countries such as Hungary, Georgia, Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, and Uganda have adopted similar laws, and draft bills to squelch discussion of sexuality are pending in Ghana and Kenya.
Incompatibility with Legal Obligations
The proposed amendments are inconsistent with Kazakhstan’s constitutional commitments to equality and non-discrimination, as well as its obligations under international human rights law. Limitations on expression and access to information must be narrowly defined and necessary. The adopted provisions instead rely on undefined concepts that invite arbitrary enforcement.
By embedding these restrictions across laws governing media, education, online platforms, advertising, and child protection, the amendments establish a cross-sectoral system of censorship that exceeds any legitimate aim and places civil society, professionals, and service providers at risk.
Consequences for Healthcare, Education, and Employment
“These amendments create a climate in which providing accurate information, delivering services, or speaking publicly about the existence and rights of sexual and gender minorities becomes legally risky,” said Andrew Park, Senior Advisor for Inclusive Development at Outright International. “They institutionalize exclusion by design, with direct consequences for people’s health, livelihoods, and ability to participate in public life.”
By restricting public and professional communication, the legislation is likely to impede access to healthcare, including mental health support, sexual and reproductive health information, and HIV-related services. Healthcare professionals may be deterred from providing appropriate care, referrals, or public health guidance for fear of violating vaguely defined restrictions.
In educational settings, the amendments threaten the availability of inclusive curricula, evidence-based information, and student support services. Teachers, counselors, and academic institutions may be prevented from addressing bullying, discrimination, or students’ well-being, increasing isolation and risk.
The impact will also extend to employment. Restrictions on speech and information undermine workplace inclusion efforts, employee resource groups, diversity training, and protections against discrimination. LGBTQ workers and those perceived to support them may face heightened barriers to equal participation in the labor market.
Call for Executive and International Action
Outright International urges President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to decline to sign the amendments into law and to ensure that Kazakhstan’s legislation complies with constitutional principles and international standards.
Outright also calls on international partners, including governments, multilateral institutions, and diplomatic missions, to raise concerns through formal channels and to underscore that laws restricting access to freedom of expression, health care, education, and employment on discriminatory grounds undermine the rule of law and sustainable development.
“Legal frameworks that restrict information and services do not protect communities,” said Ghoshal. “They erode trust, compromise public health, and weaken the social and economic fabric of society.”
Legislative Timeline
Amendments and Supplements to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Limiting Propaganda of Non-Traditional Sexual Orientation and Related Provisions.
- The draft law, containing the propaganda-related amendments, was approved by the Majilis (lower house of Parliament) on 12 November 2025.
- The Senate of the Republic of Kazakhstan (upper chamber of Parliament) approved the bill on 18 December 2025.
- The law now awaits signature by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to be enacted.
Read Our Publications
Since 1990, we have partnered with activists from all over the world to produce hundreds of groundbreaking reports.
Learn More