Statement of the BNYC “RADA” in connection with the introduction of liability for the so-called “propaganda of same-sex relations” in the Republic of Belarus

On 2 April 2026, The Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus approved amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences, introducing liability for the “propaganda of homosexual relations, gender transition, childlessness, and paedophilia,” as well as for the “unlawful representation of the Republic of Belarus at international events.” The law is expected to enter into force following its signing by Aliaksandr Lukashenka.

The Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA” expresses its deep concern over these legislative changes and condemns them as incompatible with international human rights standards.

We are particularly worried with the deliberate conflation of LGBTQ+ identity and personal life choices with paedophilia within a single legal provision. This is not a neutral legislative act but a political instrument that reinforces stigmatisation, distorts the legal nature of the phenomena involved, and contributes to discrimination against already vulnerable groups. Young people in Belarus, regardless of their identity, deserve legal protection, not the criminalisation of who they are or of the information they seek.

We emphasise that:

• the criminalisation of the so-called “propaganda” of LGBTQ+ identity violates the right to freedom of expression, the right to privacy, and the principle of non-discrimination, as guaranteed by Articles 17, 19, and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
• equating LGBTQ+ identity with paedophilia in law deepens social stigma and exposes vulnerable individuals to heightened risk of persecution;
• the vague and unpublished nature of the law violates the principle of legal certainty and the accessibility of legislation.

We are equally concerned by the introduction of liability for the “unlawful representation of Belarus at international events.” This provision appears directly aimed at democratic political structures, human rights defenders, and civil society organisations – including youth organisations such as RADA who represent Belarusian citizens in the international arena independently of the current regime. Such a norm violates the right to freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to political participation, as guaranteed by Articles 19, 22, and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA” calls for:

• immediate withdrawal of these legislative amendments as incompatible with international human rights law;
• stop to the use of legislation as a tool of stigmatisation and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and other vulnerable groups; 
• continued and unimpeded engagement between international institutions and independent Belarusian civil society as the legitimate representative of Belarusian citizens, including through broader international support for vulnerable groups and youth organisations and initiatives.

The rights and dignity of every person must be protected – without exception and regardless of identity.