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UN High Commissioner For Human Rights Lambastes Kyrgyz Antigay Law


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.

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