The LGBT propaganda ban in Kazakhstan has now been used against a human rights information resource. REQUEST reports the first documented case involving the blocking of lgbtpropaganda.kz.
On 2 March 2026, the day the law entered into force, REQUEST launched the website lgbtpropaganda.kz We also launched a separate Instagram page. The platform focused on monitoring, legal analysis, and public education.
We published materials about the development of the law. We also explained its risks for human rights. In addition, we covered reactions from the international community.
Police contacted REQUEST two days after the launch
On 4 March 2026, the REQUEST team began receiving messages and phone calls from the police.
On 8 March 2026, police summoned representatives of REQUEST to a local police station. They asked us to provide explanations.
According to a police officer, someone had filed a complaint against the website. The complaint alleged the “dissemination of LGBT propaganda” and asked the authorities to hold people responsible.
Police asked REQUEST for explanations, personal data, and information about the website. They also asked whether we recognized the materials as “propaganda.”
lgbtpropaganda.kz became inaccessible in Kazakhstan
Between 30 March and 5 April 2026, REQUEST documented disruptions in access to lgbtpropaganda.kz.
On 6 April 2026, we checked access through internet providers and monitoring tools. The results showed that the website did not open in Kazakhstan. At the same time, it remained available from other countries.
On the same day, REQUEST submitted a request for access to information. We asked the authorities to provide the blocking decision. We also asked them to explain the legal grounds for the restriction.
In addition, we asked which materials the state body considered unlawful. We requested information on how the authorities assessed those materials.
Ministry confirmed the blocking under the LGBT propaganda ban
On 21 April 2026, the Information Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Information confirmed the restriction.
The Ministry directly linked the blocking of lgbtpropaganda.kz to the legal provisions on so-called “propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation.”
In its response, the Ministry stated that mass media products must not contain such “propaganda.” It also stated that the authorities had sent orders to restrict access to the website.
However, the Ministry did not provide the actual blocking decision. It also did not provide a detailed assessment of the specific content.
REQUEST challenges the blocking in court
REQUEST has challenged the blocking in court.
The lawsuit seeks to have the order of the Ministry of Culture and Information on taking measures to restrict access to lgbtpropaganda.kz declared unlawful, to oblige the Ministry to restore access to the website in Kazakhstan, and to obtain the documents on the basis of which the resource was blocked.
In addition, REQUEST asks the court to obtain the documents that served as the basis for the blocking.
On 29 May 2026, the Specialized Interdistrict Administrative Court of Astana issued a ruling in case No. 7194-26-00-4/2176. The court scheduled the preliminary hearing for 8 June 2026 at 16:00.
The preliminary hearing will address procedural and technical issues. After that, the court should schedule the main hearing. The main hearing should be open and available for observation.
Why this LGBT propaganda ban case matters
REQUEST believes that human rights analysis, legal information, and educational materials cannot be treated as “propaganda.”
This case is important because it shows how vague restrictions can affect civil society, public education, and access to information. It also shows why courts must review the actions of state authorities.
REQUEST will continue to seek the restoration of access to the website. We will also seek disclosure of the grounds for the blocking and a full judicial review of the Ministry’s actions.
Learn more about REQUEST’s work on LGBTQIA+ rights in Kazakhstan