{"id":183774,"date":"2026-04-15T16:03:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T13:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/183774\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T16:03:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T13:03:03","slug":"un-experts-see-belarus-bill-against-propaganda-of-homosexuality-as-dangerous-escalation","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/183774\/","title":{"rendered":"UN experts see Belarus\u2019 bill against propaganda of homosexuality as dangerous escalation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

April 15, Pozirk.<\/em> A group of UN experts has said that Belarus\u2019 recent legislation penalizing information perceived as \u201cpromoting\u201d consensual same-sex relations, healthcare for transgender persons or reproductive autonomy represents a dangerous escalation and institutionalizes discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The law \u201cequates legitimate human rights advocacy with an administrative offence and risks further legitimising persecution against already marginalised groups and defenders of their rights,\u201d says the statement<\/a> signed by UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur on Belarus and 10 others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Approved on April 2 by the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly, the law introduces Article 19.16 (\u201cPropaganda of homosexuality, sex change, childlessness and pedophilia\u201d) into the Code of Administrative Offences. It prohibits the \u201cdistribution, in any form\u201d of information aimed at shaping positive perceptions of same-sex relations, gender transition, voluntary childlessness, or recognizing pedophilia as permissible. Violations are punishable by fines. In cases involving minors, penalties may include community labor or administrative detention of up to 15 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The experts stress that the legislation misleadingly links legitimate expression with criminal conduct such as pedophilia, reinforcing stigma and hostility. They warn that the law\u2019s vague and overly-broad wording could enable arbitrary enforcement and restrict civic space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The law was introduced amid reports of harassment, raids and intimidation against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other gender-diverse (LGBT+) persons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe law could have a chilling effect on women advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights, educators, health professionals and civil society.\u201d \u201cIndividuals may face sanctions simply for expressing their identity or providing information essential to health, dignity and equality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The law has also raised fears for transgender persons regarding access to medicines. Civil society organizations report increased requests for psychological assistance and support to leave the country, alongside at least 12 documented cases of gender-based persecution in early 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The experts are concerned that the law also introduces liability for the \u201cunlawful representation\u201d of Belarus at international events, potentially targeting political activists and human rights defenders, including those engaging with the UN and other international and regional human rights mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such measures could amount to reprisals and violate freedoms of expression, association and participation, they warn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBelarus must halt enactment of the law, repeal discriminatory provisions and ensure its legislation\u2019s and law-enforcement practice\u2019s full compliance with international human rights standards,\u201d the experts say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The statement has been signed by the rapporteurs on freedom of expression, the right to privacy, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, human rights defenders, as well as an independent expert on protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and members of the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n
\n \"\"
\n

Upper house approves fines for propaganda of homosexuality<\/h3>\n
April 2, Pozirk. The Council of the Republic has approved a proposal to introduce fines for promoting homosexuality, gender transition, voluntary childlessness and pedophilia, said the upper parliamentary chamber\u2019s press office. Belarus\u2019 human rights groups severely criticized the legislation last …<\/div>\n \n