Publication
Statement from the Equal Rights Coalition Co-chairs on the Situation in Kazakhstan
04 February 2026
The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) notes with deep concern the recent legislative amendments introduced by the Government of Kazakhstan “banning propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation”, and which will come into effect in March 2026.
We note that these legislative amendments are not in keeping with Kazakhstan’s international human rights obligations and place limitations on fundamental freedoms, including freedom from discrimination, freedoms of opinion and expression, and freedoms of assembly and association.
We also express concern about the risk of increased violence and discrimination to the LGBTIQ+ community in Kazakhstan stemming from this legislation. This builds on reported cases of violence, harassment, and failures in the administration of justice, including by the police and the courts, that already affect LGBTIQ+ activists and human rights defenders in Kazakhstan.
The ERC strongly disagrees with the improper and highly objectionable links made in this legislation between sexual orientation and pedophilia, the latter being well-recognized globally as a serious crime. As a Coalition, we are concerned that this will foster an environment for stigma, intolerance, and misinformation towards individuals of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics in Kazakhstan.
We strongly encourage the Government of Kazakhstan to abide by internationally agreed human rights standards and to repeal the so-called “Anti-LGBTQ Law” in order to respect the rights, dignity, and freedom of LGBTIQ+ individuals in the country. However, failing to repeal the law, we expect that the forthcoming process of drafting secondary legislation and implementing regulations will uphold international obligations for the enjoyment of human rights and dignity for all.
The Equal Rights Coalition of 44 member states, intergovernmental organisations and civil society organizations remains committed to safeguarding the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people, working in close cooperation with states and standing in solidarity with LGBTIQ+ persons globally.
Statement by ERC Co-chairs Colombia and Spain.