Kazakhstan’s Lower House of parliament voted today to approve a law banning propaganda of the gay agenda on the internet or in the media. The bill provides for fines for offenders and up to ten days’ imprisonment for repeat violations.

The law mirrors similar legislation passed in other countries, including Russia, Georgia and Hungary. It is now expected to be sent to the Senate, where it will likely be approved.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, whose signature is required for the bill to become law, has repeatedly emphasized in recent months the need to support traditional values.

Members of parliament voted unanimously in favor of the ban. Human rights organizations have warned against the law’s adoption.

Kazakhstan, a mostly Muslim but officially secular country, legalized homosexuality in the 1990s. However, public attitudes remain conservative.

Kazakh Education Minister Gani Beisembayev, speaking in support of the bill, told lawmakers: “Children and teenagers are exposed daily to information online that can negatively influence their ideas about family, morality and the future.”