Belarus New Law Calls LGBT Lives 'Pornography'

Belarus New Law Calls LGBT Lives ‘Pornography’

MINSK, BY — (04-15-24) — European country Belarus hits a new low with its new law labeling LGBT citizens as pornographic deviants, according to Human Rights Watch. As of today, the definition of pornography under Belarusian law will include depictions of same-sex relationships as well as transgender people.

According to Human Rights Watch, “The Belarus Culture Ministry recently amended its decree on “erotic materials” to classify “homosexualism, lesbian love” and the “desire to live and be seen by others as a person of an opposite sex”—a reference to transgender people—as “non-traditional sexual relationship or behavior.”

“Depicting” LGBT Relationships May Be Punishable with a Prison Sentence

This places depictions of LGBT people alongside those of necrophilia, pedophilia, and voyeurism, all of which legally constitute “non-traditional relationships. Under Belarusian law, they all may also constitute pornography.

Public displays of pornography are punishable in Belarus with up to four years in prison. Child pornography is punishable with up to 13 years behind bars.

While it is not yet clear what kinds of depictions of LGBT people could fall under the new definition of pornography, it clearly aims to assault the dignity of sexual and gender minorities, people already demonized and at risk of persecution in Belarus.

Belarusian public officials and religious groups periodically advocate for introducing administrative and criminal liability for “non-traditional sexual relationship and gender change propaganda.” Neighboring Russia recently expanded its anti-gay propaganda law and banned the “international LGBT movement” as extremist.

In another shocking move from the European country is their brutal assault against civil society in recent years. In fact Belarusian authorities have shut down all human rights organizations including LGBT rights groups. Leaving LGBT people with even less protection and political support.

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

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