Kazakh anti-LGBTQ law
| Anti-LGBTQ law in Kazakhstan | |
|---|---|
| Parliament of Kazakhstan | |
| |
| Citation | No. 248-VIII |
| Considered by | Parliament of Kazakhstan |
| Passed by | Mäjilis |
| Passed | 12 November 2025 |
| Passed by | Senate |
| Passed | 18 December 2025 |
| Signed by | Kassym-Jomart Tokayev |
| Signed | 30 December 2025 |
| Commenced | 1 January 2026 |
| Legislative history | |
| First chamber: Mäjilis | |
| Bill citation | No. 858-VIII |
| First reading | 17 September 2025 |
| Second reading | 12 November 2025 |
| Second chamber: Senate | |
| Bill citation | No. 566-VIII |
| First reading | 18 December 2025 |
| Second reading | 18 December 2025 |
| Status: In force | |
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enacted_by, considered_by.The anti-LGBTQ law in Kazakhstan, formally On Introducing Changes and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Matters of Archival Affairs and Restrictions on the Distribution of Illegal Content, is a law in Kazakhstan adopted in 2025 that restricts the public dissemination of information defined as promoting "non-traditional sexual orientation" through media, telecommunications, online platforms and public spaces in Kazakhstan.
The bill was introduced in October 2025 by a group of 15 deputies of the Mäjilis representing multiple political parties. It proposed new restrictions on certain forms of public expression and media content and received official endorsements from the Ministries of Culture and Information, Internal Affairs, Health, and Education, as well as from the Cabinet of Ministers.
Several domestic and international human rights organizations urged Parliament to reject the proposal during its consideration, citing concerns over potential media censorship and risks to LGBTQ+ individuals in Kazakhstan. The legislation has frequently been compared to similar laws adopted in Russia, with some commentators suggesting it was influenced by or modeled on that framework.
The bill passed its second reading in the Mäjilis on 12 November 2025 and was approved by the Senate on 18 December 2025. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law on 30 December 2025. While the legislation does not criminalize same-sex relationships, it limits public expression and representation related to LGBTQ+ topics.