The Parliament of Kyrgyzstan adopted a law banning advertising of occult and mystical services. Sputnik reports this.
The bill, which was approved in the first reading on April 1, prohibits advertising of services such as shamanism, divination, spiritualism, clairvoyance, fortune telling and magic, as well as the persons providing them.
Amendments to the law were initiated by MP Marlen Mamataliev, who expressed concern that such advertising “misleads people” and “could harm their mental health.”
Supporters of the law also argue that it will help protect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, from scams by charlatans.
Opponents of the law say it restricts freedom of speech and violates people's right to access information.
The new law will come into force after it is signed by the president of the country.
