Kazakhstan's parliament passes in its 2nd reading draft law prohibiting LGBT propaganda

By Elena Teslova and Alperen Aktas

MOSCOW / ISTANBUL (AA)—Kazakhstan's Senate approved a bill banning LGBT propaganda in its second reading on Thursday.

The bill is part of the law "Amendments and Supplements to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Archival Issues and Limitation of Distribution of Illegal Content."

The legislation forbids the broadcast of LGBT propaganda and pedophilia in public places, including internet resources.

About a year-and-a-half ago, citizens of Kazakhstan created a petition demanding a legislative ban on LGBT propaganda in the country.

The lower chamber of the republic's parliament, or the Majilis, approved the amendments last month, after which the bill was scheduled for Senate consideration on Dec. 4. However, due to the need to amend other laws, the hearing was moved to Dec. 18.

According to Yevgeny Kochetov, Kazakhstan's vice premier for culture and information, repeat offenders who distribute illegal content may face fines of 144,500 tenge ($280). Violation of the law may result in administrative detention for up to 10 days.