Gay rights in Kazakhstan

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Kazakhstan is considered to be a very conservative country, with strong influences from Asian and Muslim conservative customs.

[edit] Protection based on sexual orientation in law

Has no sodomy laws, the age of sexual consent is 18 for all. However it was only in 1991 that the first gay group in Kazakhstan was founded. Male homosexuality was then illegal, and the group was subject to violence and threats at the hands of the Ministry of the Interior. The group however successfully campaigned for the repeal of the law prohibiting male homosexuality.

[edit] Recognition of same sex couples

No recognition with respect to gay marriage or civil unions is currently legal.

[edit] Gay life in the country

In Kazakhstan, someone who has sex with a member of the same sex does not necessarily identify as a gay or lesbian person. There is little gay culture as such, but since independence there has been increasing tolerance towards gays and lesbians in Kazakhstan particularly in Almaty and a few of the other larger cities. The centre of gay life in Kazakhstan is the former capital of Almaty where there are currently three gay clubs and a sauna. As yet there are no gay newspapers or magazines in Kazakhstan with gay people still being quite closeted due to the continuing stigma and homophobia. For this reason visitors are warned not to show open displays of affection [1].

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¹ Has significant territory in Asia. ² Entirely in West Asia, but considered European for cultural, political and historical reasons. ³ Only recognised by Turkey. ⁴ Partially or entirely in Asia, depending on the definition of the border between Europe and Asia.