World News

Kazakhstan wants to ban gay 'propaganda'

ASTANA, Kazakhstan -- A lawmaker in Kazakhstan's parliament intends to close down Gay clubs, pride parades, and all forms of "homosexual propaganda." MP Aldan Smaiyl said that he intends to introduce a bill modeled on the Russian version signed into law in June by Russian president Vladimir Putin that banned public mention of LGBT issues  including pride parades, festivals, or even same-sex couples holding hands.

Smaiyl told local media outlets that he had filed a request with the country's Prime-Minister this past spring, [2013] asking the government to take action.

“I asked to ban gay-clubs, demonstrations and any and all of these disgusting relations. I received a reply that Kazakhstan had no such law (allowing to close the clubs),” Smaiyl said.

He added that he would work on introducing the law after the summer break when Parliament is back in session noting that his constituents were supportive of his efforts.

“I will raise this issue in the Social-Cultural Development Committee of the Majilis [Lower House] first, and then talk to the deputies. This should not continue the way they are now,” Smaiyl said.

Another lawmaker, Murat Akhmadiyev, told media outlet Tengrinews.kz that he believes that homosexuality 'propaganda' is not something that should even be put up for a discussion in Kazakhstan;

“Ideally there should not even be any discussions about it, as homosexuality is a clearly unacceptable behavior. We have always said that our country is different, not like Europe."

Akhmadiyev added that he believes Kazakhstan should remain firm and stand up for its principles and laws even as the international community criticizes its intolerance to the LGBT community. Akhmadiyev also said banning same-sex relationships is inappropriate, but, the further "spread of homosexually" in Kazakhstan "should be harnessed and suppressed."