ILGA-Europe urges Kazakhstan’s President to reject anti-LGBTI legislation

Advocacy group ILGA-Europe has issued a strong appeal to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to reject controversial amendments approved today by the Senate of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which introduce sweeping “anti-LGBTI propaganda” restrictions into national law. The organisation warns that, if enacted, these measures would violate Kazakhstan’s Constitution and international human rights obligations, while posing a grave threat to freedom of expression and democratic principles.

The proposed amendments, which define “propaganda” in deliberately broad and ambiguous terms, would not only target LGBTI people and their allies but also create a legal framework for extensive state censorship. ILGA-Europe cautions that the provisions could criminalise or penalise media reporting, artistic expression, educational materials, psychological support, and public health information. Professionals such as journalists, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and human rights defenders may find themselves unable to carry out their work without fear of sanction or repression.

“These measures represent a significant setback for human rights and risk legitimising hostility and violence towards an already vulnerable community,” ILGA-Europe said in a statement. “They undermine equality and non-discrimination, principles enshrined in Kazakhstan’s Constitution, and breach international commitments, including the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.”

The organisation is calling for a coordinated international response, urging Kazakhstan’s partners to condemn the amendments and consider the implications for bilateral agreements, including those related to Erasmus+, the European Broadcasting Union, ESG standards, and a potential simplified EU visa regime.

ILGA-Europe also appealed to global LGBTI organisations and allies to show solidarity through lawful public protests, media amplification of Kazakh LGBTI voices, and efforts to counter misinformation. “We stand firmly with Kazakhstan’s LGBTI community and will continue working with local activists and international partners to prevent these discriminatory provisions from coming into force,” the statement concluded.