Tokayev calls to protect morality and reject discrimination

The president called for strengthening the institution of marriage but rejected discrimination / Photo: aqorda_resmi; photo editor: Serikzhan Kovlanbayev

According to Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the government must oppose the promotion of immoral behavior while also preventing the persecution of those with different beliefs. The president made it clear that every citizen has the right to choose, but no one is allowed to impose their opinions on others.

Speaking at the fifth session of the National Kurultai, the president outlined the government’s position on morality, traditional values and citizens’ rights.

«The state is obligated to protect traditional cultural values and counter the promotion of destructive, or, to put it bluntly, immoral, behavior patterns,» Tokayev said.

He also emphasized the need to strengthen the institution of marriage as a voluntary union between a man and a woman, officially registered with state authorities. These norms should be enshrined in law, he underlined. However, he noted that discrimination is unacceptable and that the government must protect the rights and freedoms, honor and dignity of all its citizens.

«Criminal prosecution or moral discrimination for beliefs that diverge from the state’s official position on moral matters should under no circumstances be permitted,» he stated.