'We stand guard over traditional values': Tokayev on the institution of marriage

Tengrinews.kz — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has stated that Kazakhstan should legally define the institution of marriage as a voluntary union between a man and a woman. He made the remarks during the fifth session of the National Kurultai.
In his speech, the President emphasized that the state has a responsibility to protect traditional cultural values and to counter the promotion of destructive — or, as he put it plainly, immoral — models of behavior.

“In our society, the institution of marriage should be legislatively reinforced as a voluntary union between a man and a woman, officially registered by a state authority. At the same time, under no circumstances should criminal prosecution or moral discrimination be allowed against people whose beliefs differ from the official position of the state on moral issues. The state’s position can be summed up simply: every citizen has the right to make their own choice, but no one has the right to impose that choice on others,” Tokayev said.

The President added that the state will firmly protect the rights and freedoms, as well as the honor and dignity, of all citizens.
The fifth session of the National Kurultai is taking place today in Kyzylorda. As previously announced by the President’s press secretary Ruslan Zheldibay, Tokayev is expected to outline key priorities for Kazakhstan’s future development and address pressing social issues during his address.
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