Kazakhstan 'gay propaganda' measure deemed unconstitutional

MOSCOW -- A proposed law in Kazakhstan that would criminalize dissemination to minors of information supporting homosexual relationships has been struck down as unconstitutional.

The measure had been passed by both houses of parliament, but it was rejected by the country's Constitutional Council, Kazakh news agencies said Wednesday.

It would have banned pornography and information seen as promoting violence and "non-traditional relationships."

Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, is bidding for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. A group of prominent sports figures wrote to International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach calling for Kazakhstan to be denied the Olympics because of the measure.