Movies and TV series deemed to contain «LGBT propaganda» could be banned in Kazakhstan, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Yevgeniy Kochetov said recently on the sidelines of parliament.
Which popular projects could be affected?
According to Kochetov, content featuring members of the LGBT community will be labeled «18+,» restricting it to viewers older than 18. He said the mere appearance of LGBT symbols would not, by itself, qualify as «propaganda.»
«If, based on an assessment, it is determined that the material contains principles of propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations, then by court decision this content will be blocked,» Kochetov said.
Mandatory review before release
The official added that films and television series would be reviewed for «LGBT propaganda» both in response to public complaints and during the process of issuing distribution certificates. If the proposed amendments take effect, a new screening criterion would be introduced, and previously issued certificates could be revoked.
As a result, popular international series such as «Euphoria,» «The White Lotus,» «Stranger Things,» «The Last of Us,» «Bridgerton,» and «Wednesday» could be removed from distribution.
Kochetov said propaganda would be defined as content that encourages a positive public perception of nontraditional sexual orientation.
