A law banning LGBT propaganda will be adopted in Azerbaijan.
Globalinfo.az reports that the new law provides for restrictions on the promotion of LGBT topics in public spaces, in the media and in other information channels.
The following categories will see corresponding steps taken in connection with the adoption and application of the new law:
Media and the internet: the dissemination of information deemed to promote LGBT relationships will be restricted.
Advertising and cinema: the dissemination and promotion of such content in advertising and films will be banned.
Education: content promoting non-traditional sexual orientations in schools will unequivocally not be considered acceptable.
Legal liability: fines and other administrative measures will be applied in cases of violation of the law.
It should be noted that the justification for applying the relevant law is primarily linked to protecting children from information that could be considered harmful to their health and development. Under the law in question, the promotion of “non-traditional sexual orientation” and of paedophilia will be included in the category of information prohibited for children. The dissemination of information belonging to that category to minors will be banned.
The relevant process will also apply to the mass media. If a violation is detected, measures are envisaged such as suspending the operations of media outlets, and for foreign media, revoking their authorisation to operate in the country. Liability will also be unavoidable for the owner of a media outlet and its head.
Naturally, against the backdrop of the rapid expansion of the information space, the application of the said law will be equally significant for telecommunications networks and online platforms. As a result, posts, videos, blog entries and public appeals online may fall within the scope of the law.
At the same time, applying the law in the fields of advertising and cinema will require great sensitivity.
We note that the application of the law also gives rise to legal liability. Depending on the nature of the violation of the law, fines are possible, and in the event of a repeat offence, administrative detention may be applied.
Punitive measures against media and internet resources will also be carried out within the framework of the relevant legal procedures.
