Kazakh Rights Advocates Criticize ‘LGBT Propaganda’ Ban at OSCE Conference
Kazakh human rights advocates criticized the country’s existing ban on ‘LGBT propaganda’ at the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, held in Poland’s capital from October 5 to 15, 2026. BES.media reported on their remarks on October 22. Participants proposed an international expert review of the legislation and greater involvement of independent organizations in discussions about reform.
Rustam Zhantasov, head of the Glotion human rights center, said the law’s broad wording allows arbitrary interpretation and encourages discrimination and self-censorship. He also reported that, while the law was being debated, police carried out at least four raids on venues in Almaty and Astana frequented by LGBT people. According to his figures, about 45 people were taken to police stations.
Alisher Kozhagulov, co-founder of the Nomad Rights foundation, said an invitation to discuss a bill does not in itself guarantee an opportunity to speak or influence its content. Rights advocates proposed involving experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in assessing legislation and expanding civil society participation in lawmaking.
The restrictions have been in force since March 2, 2026. Law No. 248-VIII of December 30, 2025 amended provisions on advertising, culture, education, media and online platforms. It defines ‘propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation’ in terms of publicly disseminating information, including through media and the internet, with the aim of shaping positive public opinion.
Kazakhstan’s deputy minister of culture and information, Yevgeniy Kochetov, previously outlined the authorities’ position. As Informburo.kz reported on April 9, he said reports about human rights violations do not constitute ‘LGBT propaganda’ because the topics have separate definitions and subjects of assessment. He also described the provision as having a preventive effect by encouraging people to think before publishing material.
According to the OSCE conference page, the forum was organized by the Swiss OSCE Chairpersonship with ODIHR support. It addressed states’ implementation of commitments on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. BES.media presented an expert review of the law as a proposal from rights advocates.
Uránia previously reported on the blocking of lgbtpropaganda.kz in Kazakhstan and rights advocates’ attempt to challenge the decision in court. The website’s creators linked the blocking to the new ‘propaganda’ provisions.
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