Discussion of petition to ban LGBT propaganda continues: Minister of Culture Aida Balayeva shares her opinion
Aida Balayeva, the Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, revealed the ministry's ruling on the petition against LGBT propaganda on her Facebook page, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Received by the ministry on June 10, the petition asks for a total ban on openly and covert LGBT propaganda as well as protection and shielding of minors and children against the influence of queer sexual relationships. The issue has elicited a significant public response and active discussion, as Balayeva underscored. She observed that Kazakhstanis are engaged in discussions of socially significant topics and that human rights are a significant aspect of state policy.
"Today, human rights are given great attention by the state, and Kazakhstanis actively participate in discussions of socially important topics and the formation of state policy. As part of the presidential reforms in Kazakhstan, all the necessary legislative conditions are being created for the democratic development of human rights protection and strengthening the rule of law, one of which is the institution of petition," said Aida Balayeva.
Minister Balayeva underscored that Kazakhstan adheres to the Constitution and international obligations by implementing a non-discrimination policy that ensures sustainable compliance with constitutional guarantees, tolerance, and prevents conflict in society. Additionally, she observed that the petition was the subject of discussion among numerous Kazakhstanis, each of whom held different viewpoints.
"A large part of our society entered the orbit of the discussion of issues. During two meetings of the working groups and extensive expert discussions, large-scale work was done to analyze the comments received on the petition, a comparative legal analysis of national and international regulatory legal acts was given, international experience in regulating the issues raised by the petition was studied, consultations were held with leading research organizations and experts," the head of the ministry said.
Every opinion, proposal, argument, research material, and appeal submitted by international and Kazakh non-governmental organizations was considered, according to her.
"Nevertheless, this work is not enough to make a final decision on the petition. Research and discussions have shown that we must continue large-scale work in this direction, thoroughly study the issue and develop real mechanisms for its regulation. This will take time," said Aida Balayeva.
The Ministry of Culture and Information decided to partially support the petition in terms of protecting the rights and ensuring the safety of minors.
"Amid the growth of crimes against the sexual integrity of children, the demands to protect and shield teenagers and children from propaganda, the cultivation of sexual relations, including non-traditional ones, are relevant and necessary. It is extremely important that our children grow up and develop in a safe information space. Our generational duty is to give them the right spiritual and moral guidelines, cultivate traditional family values in them, create conditions for commitment to the national cultural heritage and the preservation of their genetic code," the minister added.
A public discussion of the petition against LGBT propaganda was conducted by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan yesterday. Representatives of the media and members of the public were present at the meeting. The petition was reviewed by a working group of 45 individuals, which included representatives of government agencies, members of Parliament, public associations, experts, and interested parties.
The Ministry of Culture and Information will persist in its efforts to investigate the petition and establish regulatory mechanisms.
