Azerbaijan to adopt law banning LGBT promotion

A law banning the promotion of LGBT-related content is set to be adopted in Azerbaijan.

TodayPress TV reports that the new legislation is expected to introduce restrictions on the promotion of LGBT-related topics in public spaces, the media and other information channels.

The following measures are envisaged under the adoption and implementation of the new law:

Media and the internet: The dissemination of information considered to promote LGBT relationships will be restricted.

Advertising and cinema: The distribution and promotion of relevant content in advertisements and films will be prohibited.

Education: Content promoting non-traditional sexual orientations in schools will not be considered acceptable.

Legal liability: Fines and other administrative measures will be imposed in cases of violations.

It should be noted that the main justification for introducing the legislation is the protection of children from information considered potentially harmful to their health and development. Under the proposed law, the promotion of “non-traditional sexual orientation” and paedophilia would be included in the category of information prohibited for children. The dissemination of information falling under this category to minors would be banned.

The relevant measures would also apply to mass media. In the event of violations, sanctions could include the suspension of media outlets’ activities and the revocation of operating permits for foreign media organisations in Azerbaijan. Media outlet owners and executives would also face liability.

Against the backdrop of the rapid expansion of the information space, implementation of the law would be equally significant for telecommunications networks and online platforms. Consequently, online posts, videos, blog entries and public calls could fall within the scope of the legislation.

The application of the law to the advertising and film industries would also require particular sensitivity.

It should be noted that the legislation would also introduce legal liability. Depending on the nature of the violation, penalties could include fines and, in cases of repeated offences, administrative detention.

Sanctions against media outlets and internet resources would also be imposed in accordance with the relevant legal procedures.