UN High Commissioner For Human Rights Lambastes Kyrgyz Antigay Law
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 October 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UN High Commissioner For Human Rights Lambastes Kyrgyz Antigay Law, 24 October 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54523e4e4.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on the Kyrgyz government "to refrain from passing draft legislation" against sexual minorities.
The statement that was issued on October 24 said that the draft legislation would "violate fundamental human rights, including the rights to liberty, security and physical integrity and to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association."
Last week, Kyrgyzstan's parliament approved in the first reading a draft law that envisages a punishment to up to one year in jail for "propaganda of same-sex relations."
It says journalists found guilty of "propagating" homosexual relations will be held accountable, too.
The bill bans the creation of groups that defend the rights of sexual minorities.
The law has to pass the parliament's approval in two more readings and then be signed by the president in order to come into force.
