{"id":182068,"date":"2026-04-02T16:03:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T13:03:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/182068\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T23:22:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T20:22:56","slug":"upper-house-approves-fines-for-propaganda-of-homosexuality","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/182068\/","title":{"rendered":"Upper house approves fines for propaganda of homosexuality"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

April 2, Pozirk.<\/em> <\/strong>The Council of the Republic has approved a <\/strong>proposal to introduce fines for promoting homosexuality, gender transition, voluntary childlessness and pedophilia, said the upper parliamentary chamber\u2019s press office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belarus\u2019 human rights groups severely criticized the legislation last year.<\/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, said their statement.<\/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 said, 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 bill has yet to be signed into law by Alaksandar \u0141uka\u0161enka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n
\n \"\"