Kazakhstan: Political Scientist Questions Push for LGBT Propaganda Ban

In Kazakhstan, they have once again begun to test the waters for a possible legislative ban on so-called “LGBT propaganda, Orda.kz reports.

Gaziz Abishev commented on an expert meeting held recently in Astana on his Telegram channel.

There, experts spoke, using sociological research to determine whether it is necessary to restrict“LGBT propaganda” in Kazakhstan following the example of neighboring Russia, where the corresponding law has already led to censorship of books and new restrictions on freedom of speech.

Some participants in the discussion called for “defining the boundaries of what is permitted,” citing “the multi-million audience of parents” and “the traditional cultural environment.”

Political scientist Abishev notes that the concept of “LGBT propaganda” is vague. 

And attempts to justify bans by citing children’s safety run into banal physiology.

To be honest, I don't really believe in the idea of 'LGBT propaganda.' I think the main 'propaganda' among children is their internal hormonal storm, which they experience (we all experienced it) in adolescence. When they suddenly clearly understand what exactly they want. And they find relevant content on the Internet, which only strengthens their natural orientation. And there is no need to talk about blocking, in the era of VPN in a country without an impenetrable cybernetic curtain, modern children can easily find everything they need,  Gaziz Abishev emphasized.

At the same time, the political scientist notes that norms of behavior in public apply to everyone, including heterosexual people. 

Gaziz Abishev added that respect for minorities does not mean that LGBT representatives are given the ability to infringe on the rights of others or aggressively impose their position.

Respect for the rights of LGBT people should not be converted into their right to persecute anyone who does not bend the knee and to engage in excessive positive discrimination contrary to the natural course of matters,Gaziz Abishev

Original Author: Nikita Drobny