Belarus proposes fines for “LGBT propaganda”

The Belarusian government wants to punish “propaganda of homosexuality and gender transition”.

The government has proposed a new article for the Administrative Code.

In Belarus, the government is proposing to add a new article to the Code of Administrative Offenses (CoAO) that would punish the “propaganda of homosexual relations, gender transition, childlessness, and pedophilia.” The relevant draft law has already been submitted to the House of Representatives.

According to the draft, spreading information that encourages citizens to view homosexuality, transgender identity, or childlessness as "appealing" will be punishable by a fine of up to 740 Belarusian rubles (around $225). For individual entrepreneurs, the fine could be up to 4,900 rubles (around $1,500), and for legal entities — up to 7,350 rubles (around $2,250).

If such information reaches a minor, the punishment becomes more severe: up to 1,110 rubles in fines, community service, or administrative detention. For individual entrepreneurs, the fine could reach 7,350 rubles, and for legal entities — up to 9,800 rubles.

Discussion around banning “LGBT propaganda” has been ongoing in Belarus for several years. In February, Prosecutor General Andrey Shved confirmed that the authorities were planning to introduce administrative penalties for such “propaganda.” At the time, he emphasized that punishments would include fines and possible administrative detention, including for publications and public statements that "contradict traditional family values."

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