{"id":146424,"date":"2025-07-11T20:16:45","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T17:16:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/146424\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T20:10:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T20:10:49","slug":"rights-groups-denounce-government-bill-against-propaganda-of-homosexuality","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/146424\/","title":{"rendered":"Rights groups denounce government bill against propaganda of homosexuality"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n \"\"\n
\n \n
\n (Raphael Renter, unsplash.com)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

July 11, Pozirk<\/em>.<\/strong> Belarus\u2019 human rights groups have criticized the government\u2019s proposal to introduce fines for promoting homosexuality, gender transition and voluntary childlessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This attack on the rights to non-discrimination and privacy and freedom of expression runs counter to Belarus\u2019 Constitution and international commitments, the statement reads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposed ban on \u201cforming ideas about the attractiveness\u201d of certain aspects of personal life implies that they are wrong and illegal, the statement says, quoting the expression used in the bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are particularly concerned that the \u2018propaganda\u2019 category, if interpreted arbitrarily, may cover public displays of identity by LGBTQ+ people or even their public existence; any statements supporting equality; education materials; and works of art against discrimination and for the promotion of equality. This forms the basis for mass censorship and the persecution of the independent media, activists and entire communities, including their male and female members,\u201d the rights activists stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By mentioning pedophilia along with homosexuality, gender transition and childlessness, the authorities clearly tried to discredit and demonize entire social groups, which is \u201cunacceptable in a state governed by the rule of law,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The statement was signed by the Viasna Human Rights Center, Belarusian Helsinki Committee, Belarusian PEN, Lawtrend, Human Constanta and Belarusian Association of Journalists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government proposes a fine of up to 840 rubels ($256) for individuals, 4,200 rubels for sole entrepreneurs and 4,200 to 6,300 rubels for companies for any positive messages about homosexuality, gender transition, voluntary childlessness or pedophilia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharing positive information with minors would entail even heavier fines, community service, or a jail sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n
\n \"\"