Country Overview
Kazakhstan
At a glance
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Since Kazakhstan gained independence from the former Soviet Union in 1998, its criminal code has not contained any provision outlawing consensual same-sex sexual acts between adults. Trans people can change their legal gender markers on the condition that they undergo invasive medical procedures, including sterilization. Nonconsensual medical interventions on intersex children remain legal.
In 2025, Kazakhstan enacted a law prohibiting “propaganda of nontraditional sexual orientation.” This followed several unsuccessful attempts to pass such bills, inspired by Russia, including in 2015 and 2018. The new law prohibits the dissemination of such content in media, online platforms, and public spaces, and creates administrative penalties, including fines and possible detention for repeat offenses. It exacerbates already widespread and institutionalized prejudice against LGBTIQ people, who live in a climate of fear amid widespread queerphobia. They face harassment, discrimination, and violence, coupled with state authorities’ failure to provide care and protection. LGBTIQ organizations and activists face many challenges, including the denial of registration and the arbitrary arrest of LGBTIQ human rights defenders.
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