Most Americans would have a hard time finding Kyrgyzstan on a map, let alone telling you about its geopolitical environment. But those who care about human rights should take note of what’s happening there. A sweeping homophobic bill is on the verge of becoming law.
Last year members of the Kyrgyz Parliament, the Jogorku Kenesh, introduced legislation that would criminalize any public expression that could "create a positive attitude to unconventional sexual orientation." The bill emulates Russia's 2013 propaganda law, but goes even further.
People could go to jail for expressing the most basic sentiments about their own identities.
The bill has received overwhelming support from lawmakers, easily passing two of the three required legislative readings. It is unclear when the final reading will take place, but there is little chance of serious opposition. It appears that only President Almazbek Atambayev will be able stop the bill from becoming law.
The bill is already having a chilling effect on LGBT life in Kyrgyzstan. Bias-motivated violence has increased, attacks on NGOs have been documented, and incidents of police enforcing the bill, even though it is not yet law, have been reported. If President Atambayev signs the bill, there is little doubt that the situation will get much worse.
http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/blog/lgbt-voices-equality-kyrgyzstan
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