Expert Roundtable in Astana Discusses LGBT Content and Youth Protection

An expert roundtable in Astana has reignited debate over potential restrictions on the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” in Kazakhstan. The discussion, moderated by the Ministry of Culture and Information, included the presentation of new sociological data, Orda.kz reports.

Dr. Usen Suleimen, head of the National Endowment for Prosperity, shared findings from both domestic and international studies. His foundation took part in the expert group that reviewed a petition calling for a ban on LGBT “propaganda.”

The commission partially accepted the petition, agreeing that children should be shielded from information relating to sexual relations. The foundation monitored the implementation of this recommendation over the past year.

According to the foundation’s research:

• Teens exposed to LGBT-related content more frequently experience anxiety and confusion
• LGBT themes included in children’s media (like cartoons or books) may undermine adolescents’ identity stability
• Social media is the primary source of LGBT-related content for young people (63.7%), far ahead of traditional media (42%)
• Over 1,500 LGBT-themed posts appeared on social media over the past year

While Suleimen acknowledged Kazakhstan’s commitment to international human rights agreements — including the UN’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — he emphasized that these rights should not infringe upon others, particularly parents' rights to raise children in line with traditional values.

While recognizing the rights of sexual minorities, we must not turn a blind eye to the millions of parents who, exercising their constitutional right to choose how to raise their children, wish to do so within a traditional cultural environment — free from aggressive rhetoric and the imposition of certain behaviors or lifestyles. It is time for all of us to clearly define the boundaries of what is acceptable in the public sphere. Sexual orientation, choice of partner, and personal relationships are private matters for each individual and should not be displayed in the media. I state this categorically: these topics should not be the subject of public discussion. Suleimen stated firmly.

Among the proposed measures are age-based content restrictions, liability for violating content guidelines, and legislative bans on spreading information about non-traditional sexual relations to minors.

Suleimen cited Kazakhstan’s 2022 accession to the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women's Health and Strengthening the Family as supporting evidence.

Kazakhstanis Grow More Tolerant, Divisions Remain

Another study presented during the session highlighted a cultural divide in Kazakhstan. While many Kazakhs continue to see LGBT visibility as a threat, others are becoming more accepting.

Olga Simakova, a sociologist and coordinator at the Center for Social and Political Research “Strategy,” described attitudes toward LGBT as a “litmus test” for Kazakhstan’s broader cultural transition:

We wanted to track signs of change and understand the direction in which our society is moving. It turned out that attitudes toward family and LGBT issues are the key indicators of our cultural paradigm. This was a nationwide study. We asked how people perceived changes in the level of culture in Kazakhstan's society over the past five years. And what we found is that there’s no consensus. Overall, we must acknowledge that we are living in a time of transition. Some believe that the cultural level is declining, while others feel it is improving.

The study surveyed 2,500 people nationwide. One of the key findings: despite the influence of new ideological trends through digital media, Kazakhstan's society continues to lean on traditional values.

Notably, 77% of respondents said relationships between men and women should align with the moral principles of traditional society.

We are living in an era of change. And while 40% of respondents say nothing has changed in our culture, the rest have noticed shifts — including a weakening of the family institution. said Simakova.

The study also found that one in four Kazakhstani people encounter LGBT content in the media. This same group is more likely to believe that LGBT propaganda  — whether overt or subtle — is influencing the country.

We found a clear correlation: the more frequently a person is exposed to LGBT-related content, the greater their concern and belief that there is a hidden influence at play.
 Simakova explained.

In total, 68% of respondents believe LGBT propaganda is harmful to young people, with one in four rating this perceived danger as “high.”

However, the study also identified a tolerant and sympathetic segment of the population toward LGBT people — a sign, she noted, of a gradual but noticeable shift in public consciousness.

We must acknowledge that a certain level of support for LGBT already exists in society. But overall, the argument for banning propaganda on the grounds of protecting youth continues to resonate with the majority,  Simakova concluded.

Vice Minister of Culture and Information Aizada Kurmanova emphasized that the issue requires “a comprehensive and nuanced approach.”

The study followed the ministry’s partial approval of petitions calling for a ban on LGBT propaganda.

At that time, the parliamentary working group opted to focus solely on measures aimed at shielding children and adolescents from what was described as “propaganda and promotion of sexual relations.”

As you know, a petition calling for a full ban on LGBT propaganda was reviewed last summer in Kazakhstan. A decision was made to partially meet those demands — specifically regarding the protection of teens, Kurmanova said.

She added that government agencies have already conducted numerous studies, and independent organizations have also joined the effort.

We must consider the sensitivity and public resonance of this issue. That’s why it’s important to assess and interpret the findings as transparently as possible.

At the close of the meeting, participants stressed the importance of continuing research in this area.

Original Author: Ilya Astakhov