During the second reading, amendments concerning nine important laws were approved, including those regulating the rights of children, advertising, communication, culture, education, cinematography, and mass media.
As noted by Deputy Yelnur Beisenbaev, these changes are driven by "growing public concern about protecting children and adolescents from negative content in the digital world."
Now, it will be clearly defined in Kazakhstan what constitutes "promotion of non-traditional orientation." After the amendments come into effect, all information related to "non-traditional sexual orientation" will be banned in the media and on the internet.
In the Majilis, it is emphasized that this does not mean a "ban" or "cancellation" of the rights of people belonging to the LGBT community. Their personal rights will remain inviolable. The new norms only restrict the public dissemination of such information, which is in line with international practice.
Before the vote, seven international human rights organizations called on the Kazakh parliament to reject these amendments prohibiting LGBT promotion.
Similar legislation is already in effect in Kyrgyzstan, where two years ago President Sadyr Japarov signed a law concerning amendments to several legislative acts, including the Code of Offenses and laws aimed at protecting children. This law was adopted to create a safe information environment and strengthen the health of children and adolescents.
The legislation includes new concepts such as "children's information security" and "information harmful to the health or development of children." It also requires the implementation of technical restrictions on minors' access to programs and broadcasts that may negatively affect their physical, intellectual, and spiritual development.
