In Belarus, a law penalizing information perceived as “promoting” consensual same-sex relations, healthcare for transgender persons or reproductive autonomy was adopted.
The law, adopted on April 2, 2026, by the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus and signed by Alyaksandr Lukashenka on April 15, introduces Article 19.16, “Propaganda of homosexual relations, gender reassignment, childlessness, and pedophilia”, into the Code of Administrative Offenses.
The regulation more specifically prohibits the “dissemination in any form” of information aimed at fostering a positive attitude toward same-sex relations, gender transition, voluntary childlessness, or the acceptance of pedophilia.
Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by fines, community service, or administrative arrest for up to 15 days.
Experts from the United Nations (UN) raised alarm over the new law, claiming that it “The experts stressed that the legislation “misleadingly links legitimate expression with criminal conduct such as pedophilia, reinforcing stigma and hostility”, and adding that “the law’s vague and overly-broad wording could enable arbitrary enforcement and restrict civic space”.
“By conflating human rights advocacy and information about sexual orientation, gender identity and reproductive autonomy with administrative offenses, the authorities are fueling prejudice and legitimizing discrimination.”
“Belarus must halt enactment of the law, repeal discriminatory provisions and ensure its legislation’s and law-enforcement practice’s full compliance with international human rights standards,” the experts said.
These experts previously raised their concerns with the Government of Belarus in a communication dated 3 December 2025.
