Bill banning LGBT and childfree propaganda adopted in Belarus

The Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus. Photo: press service of the Council of the Republic

On April 2, 2026, the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus approved a bill providing for a ban on propaganda of homosexuality, gender change, and childlessness, reports the belsat website.

The document "On amendments to codes regarding administrative responsibility" introduces a number of new norms, including Article 19.16, which establishes responsibility for "propaganda of homosexual relations, gender change, childlessness, pedophilia." Violations are subject to fines for both individuals and legal entities.

In cases where such information becomes available to minors, citizens also face community service or administrative arrest, while organizations face increased fines exceeding the equivalent of several thousand US dollars.

For the law to take effect, it must be signed by President Alexander Lukashenko.

As noted, the initiative was developed by the General Prosecutor's Office back in 2024 and presented as a measure to protect society. In 2025, the bill was introduced to parliament.

As the UOJ wrote, Lukashenko pardoned two Catholic priests at the request of Pope Leo.

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