Alisher Qodirov, the leader of the “Milliy Tiklanish” (National Revival) Party in Uzbekistan, has revealed that lawmakers are currently drafting legislation aimed at prohibiting the promotion of “unacceptable sexual relationships” within the country. Qodirov’s statement comes amidst ongoing discussions in Uzbekistan over LGBTQ+ issues and gender education in schools.
Qodirov made the announcement in response to resurfaced campaign comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized the allocation of educational funds in the U.S. for teaching transgender and other non-traditional relationship topics in schools. Qodirov echoed Trump’s concerns, suggesting that there are parallels between the two countries’ approaches to cultural and social norms in educational contexts.
In his campaign video, published on his website, Agenda47, Trump stated:
"First, we will cut federal funding for any school or program pushing Critical Race Theory, gender ideology, or other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content onto our children. We are not going to allow it to happen."
“We are working on drafting a law to ban any promotion of this issue in Uzbekistan,” Qodirov wrote.
This effort follows past actions and protests in Uzbekistan opposing LGBTQ+ rights, with critics arguing such topics clash with the nation’s cultural and religious values.
Qodirov’s latest announcement also revives calls from other political figures who support stricter measures against LGBTQ+ advocacy. Legislator Rasul Kusherbayev has called for action against perceived provocateurs, while in 2021 Qodirov has called for harsher penalties for “soft measures” against what he terms “LGBT propaganda.”
In his 2021 statement Qodirov said, “The article [in the Criminal Code] should ban any form of promoting homosexuality and LGBT ideas. Of course, the penalty is very lenient. This article’s sanctions should include compulsory treatment, imprisonment, revocation of citizenship, and deportation from the country.”
In March 2021, Uzbek activists rallied against the legalization of same-sex relationships. The protest took place in front of Amir Temur Square in Tashkent and saw a strong response from law enforcement, with the Tashkent City Department of Internal Affairs later confirming that 12 individuals were detained during the anti-LGBTQ+ demonstration.
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