Azerbaijani lawyer Akram Hasanov says the country should consider adopting legislation that restricts what he calls the “promotion” of LGBT issues, arguing that such measures would align with laws recently introduced in several regional states.
Speaking to Pravda.az, Hasanov said a number of countries – including Kazakhstan and, according to him, Georgia – have already adopted restrictions targeting public dissemination of LGBT-related content.
He emphasized that his proposal does not call for a ban on LGBT people themselves, but for limits on messaging that he believes qualifies as “propaganda.”
“This is not about outlawing LGBT people,” Hasanov said. “The question is the prohibition of LGBT promotion. Such restrictions do not violate any international conventions. We say: if you exist, you exist – but do not promote yourselves.”
He argued that public visibility of LGBT topics could “distort social norms,” claiming that “even ordinary people begin questioning themselves.” Hasanov pointed to public figures in the entertainment industry who openly identify with LGBT communities, describing this as “a form of promotion.”
Hasanov said Azerbaijan should consider legislation similar to the recently adopted measures in parts of the region, referencing the government’s emphasis on traditional social values.
“The president has repeatedly stressed that we are a society built on traditional values,” he said.
“A man is a man, a woman is a woman. Therefore, I believe there is a need for legislation restricting LGBT promotion.”
The debate over LGBT-related legislation continues to grow across parts of Eurasia, with rights groups warning that such laws risk marginalizing vulnerable communities, while supporters claim they protect cultural norms.
Azerbaijan currently has no legislation restricting LGBT expression, though the issue remains politically and socially sensitive.
