April 15, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka has signed into law legislation introducing fines for promoting homosexuality, gender transition, voluntary childlessness and pedophilia, said the Belarusian leader’s press office in its unofficial Telegram channel.
The controversial proposal to impose fines on individuals of 900 rubels (less than $300) to 1,350 rubels (over $400) for information perceived as “promoting” consensual same-sex relations, transgender persons and reproductive autonomy has come under fire from human rights experts.
The law “equates legitimate human rights advocacy with an administrative offence and risks further legitimising persecution against already marginalised groups and defenders of their rights,” says the statement issued today by UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur on Belarus and 10 other experts.
the law introduces Article 19.16 (“Propaganda of homosexuality, sex change, childlessness and pedophilia”) into the Code of Administrative Offences. It prohibits the “distribution, in any form” 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.
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’s vague and overly-broad wording could enable arbitrary enforcement and restrict civic space.
The law was introduced amid reports of harassment, raids and intimidation against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and other gender-diverse (LGBT+) persons.
“The law could have a chilling effect on women advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights, educators, health professionals and civil society.” “Individuals may face sanctions simply for expressing their identity or providing information essential to health, dignity and equality.”
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.
