Published on: 2026-04-15
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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A recently adopted law in Belarus, which provides for liability for the dissemination of information considered “propaganda” of same-sex relations, medical assistance to transgender individuals, or reproductive autonomy, will lead to discrimination and a significant increase in the risks of repression. About thissaid experts of the UN on Wednesday.
“This law represents a dangerous escalation,” experts noted. “It equates legitimate human rights activities with administrative offenses and may provide additional grounds for prosecuting already marginalized groups and their defenders.”
The law adopted on April 2, 2026 by the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus introduces the article “Propaganda of homosexual relations, gender change, childlessness, and pedophilia” into the Code of Administrative Offenses. It prohibits “the dissemination in any form” of information aimed at forming a positive attitude towards same-sex relations, gender reassignment, voluntary childlessness, or the recognition of pedophilia as acceptable.
Fines are provided for violating these prohibitions, and in cases where the information is obtained from minors, community service or administrative arrest for up to 15 days.
Experts warned that vague and excessively broad formulations of the law could lead to its arbitrary application and further narrowing of civil space in Belarus.
“Mixing human rights activities and information about sexual orientation, gender identity, and reproductive autonomy with administrative offenses, authorities foster bias and legitimize discrimination,” experts stated, emphasizing that the adoption of the law occurs against the backdrop of reports of persecution and intimidation of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people, and other gender-diverse individuals.
The law also causes concern among experts regarding transgender individuals’ access to medical treatments. According to civil society organizations, currently there is an increase in requests for psychological assistance and support in leaving the country among such individuals. Since the beginning of this year, at least 12 cases of gender-based persecution have been recorded in Belarus.
Experts have also expressed concern that the law introduces punishment for “illegal representation” of Belarus at international events, which may be aimed against political activists and human rights defenders, including those interacting with the United Nations and other international and regional organizations in the field of human rights.
The statement was signed by seven independent UN experts. Special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to consider either situations in specific countries or thematic human rights issues worldwide. They follow special procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special procedure experts are not UN staff and are independent of any government or organization. They work in a personal capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.
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