Belarus

Same-sex relations are legal in Belarus, but LGBTIQ people face significant barriers to equality. Based on Russia’s infamous “anti-propaganda” law, which bans the distribution of “propaganda” affirming gender and sexual diversity among any age group, Belarus passed a law in 2017 prohibiting the dissemination of information that “discredits the institution of family and marriage.” This law provides a legal basis for prohibiting LGBTIQ events or representation and perpetuates the narrative of LGBTIQ people as a threat to family and society. Lawmakers are also considering another bill to impose administrative liability for “LGBT+ propaganda” and the “childfree ideology.” In March 2024, the Central District Court of Minsk declared the informational materials of TG House, a trans-led organisation, as extremist. This marked the first instance in Belarusian history where an LGBTI organisation was officially labelled that way. 

Hate speech from politicians, including President Alexander Lukashenko, is pervasive. State media generally depicts LGBTIQ people negatively and sensationalizes LGBTIQ issues. In addition, journalists are also targeted, with many in jail and facing trumped-up charges. In 2024, the country’s culture ministry amended a decree to classify “homosexuality, lesbian love,” and being transgender as “non-traditional relationships,” which means they may be considered “pornography” under Belarusian law. Belarusians are not protected from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

*Outright research indicates that the bodily autonomy of intersex people is not respected and protected in this country.