MINSK, Belarus — April 15, 2026
Belarus has enacted a law criminalizing the "propaganda" of homosexuality, further tightening restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights in the authoritarian state.
The move aligns Belarus with Russia, where similar legislation has been in place for years, and reinforces President Alexander Lukashenko's hardline stance on social issues. Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has faced repeated accusations of human rights violations.
Lukashenko's Authoritarian Rule
Alexander Lukashenko has maintained an iron grip on Belarus since coming to power in 1994, often suppressing dissent and cracking down on political opposition. His government has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including the imprisonment of activists and journalists.
The new law targeting LGBTQ+ "propaganda" is seen as part of a broader effort to consolidate control and align Belarus more closely with Russia's conservative policies. Lukashenko has frequently echoed Kremlin rhetoric on social issues, portraying LGBTQ+ rights as a threat to traditional values.