Kazakhstan to conduct research on LGBT influence on minors
Tengrinews.kz – In 2025, Kazakhstan plans to conduct a scientific study on the impact of the LGBT movement on minors. The announcement came in response to a parliamentary inquiry, according to a statement from Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
According to the statement, three unofficial organizations - Kaleidoscope, Feminita, and KazFem - operate in Kazakhstan, focusing on defending the rights of women with non-traditional sexual orientations and promoting tolerance toward LGBT individuals.
“This year, these organizations held group events without prior approval from local authorities, which were classified as violations of Kazakhstan’s laws on public assembly. As a result, two activists faced administrative penalties,” the statement read.
It also noted that labeling the LGBT movement as extremist could be perceived by international human rights organizations as a violation of citizens' rights to free expression and association.
“While some countries restrict LGBT ‘propaganda’ to minors, such measures generally address mass dissemination rather than classifying such movements as extremist,” the statement clarified.
The government has already established a working group to review a petition opposing the open and covert promotion of LGBT, involving parliamentarians, public organizations, and government agencies. The group has partially approved the petition, specifically regarding the protection of minors from exposure to discussions on sexual relationships.
Research on the LGBT movement's impact on minors, considering social, psychological, and medical aspects, is underway. Public discussions on regulatory measures will follow upon the completion of these studies. The government will maintain oversight of the matter.
The issue has sparked heated debate in Kazakhstan, with some MPs proposing legislation to criminalize LGBT propaganda, equating it to incitement of social or religious discord. However, these provisions were excluded from the recently adopted "On Mass Media" law.