Listen to the article
Belarusian Government Expands Administrative Offenses Code, Targeting “Non-Traditional Values” and Cryptocurrency
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has signed into law a comprehensive update to the country’s Administrative Responsibility Codes, marking the first major revision since 2021. The latest amendments significantly expand the scope of administrative offenses, with particular emphasis on so-called “traditional values” and emerging technologies.
The 2021 revisions were widely viewed as tools to strengthen the government’s ability to suppress political dissent following widespread protests after the disputed 2020 presidential election. This new wave of amendments continues the pattern of tightening state control, but with focus on different areas.
Among the most controversial provisions are new penalties targeting what officials term “propaganda of homosexual relations.” Under the newly signed law, individuals found promoting homosexuality, gender transitions, pedophilia, or childlessness can face fines of up to 900 Belarusian rubles (approximately $280). The penalties increase substantially when such “propaganda” involves minors, with potential fines rising to 1350 rubles (about $420) or even administrative arrest.
These measures align with Belarus’s increasingly close relationship with Russia, which enacted similar “gay propaganda” laws in 2013 and has since expanded them. Human rights organizations have consistently condemned such legislation as discriminatory and harmful to LGBTQ+ communities.
The amendments also address Belarus’s growing cryptocurrency sector, introducing penalties for “illegal operations with crypto assets (tokens).” This comes as the country has taken an unusual dual approach to digital currencies—embracing some blockchain technologies while maintaining strict control over their use.
Telecommunications regulations also receive attention in the updated code, with new provisions covering “violations in the sphere of quality and coverage of mobile communication services.” This may reflect the government’s ongoing concerns about controlling information flow within the country, particularly after the role mobile communications played during the 2020 protests.
Government procurement practices face tighter oversight as well, with penalties established for “violations in the acquisition of official vehicles,” likely in response to corruption concerns in state purchasing.
The law also introduces changes aimed at juvenile offenders, strengthening “measures for the prevention of offenses among teenagers” and creating “separate procedures for educational influence.” While framed as rehabilitative, these measures give authorities additional tools to control youth activism, which played a significant role in recent opposition movements.
Not all amendments increase penalties. The law expands opportunities for exemption from administrative responsibility in certain scenarios, such as “voluntary compensation for environmental damage or correction of errors in documents.” Administrative procedures are also being streamlined, allowing electronic complaint filing and remote hearings in some cases.
Belarusian authorities state that approximately 150 articles have been amended to align the codes with other existing legislation and application practices. However, critics view many of these changes as further evidence of the country’s authoritarian drift under Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994.
The timing of these amendments comes as Belarus continues to face international isolation following the 2020 election crackdown and subsequent political repression. With thousands of political prisoners and most opposition leaders either jailed or exiled, these legal changes appear designed to further solidify government control over Belarusian society.
International human rights organizations will likely scrutinize the implementation of these new provisions, particularly those targeting the LGBTQ+ community, as potential violations of Belarus’s international human rights obligations.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
16 Comments
This law is a clear violation of individual freedoms and human rights. The Belarusian government’s efforts to enforce a narrow, state-sanctioned vision of ‘traditional values’ are deeply troubling. I hope the international community takes strong action to condemn this assault on personal liberties.
I agree, this is a dangerous step towards totalitarianism. Restricting freedom of expression and personal choice in this way is a fundamental attack on the basic rights of Belarusian citizens.
The Lukashenko regime’s latest move to criminalize the ‘propaganda’ of homosexuality and childlessness is a concerning assault on civil liberties and personal freedoms. This law is a blatant attempt to enforce a narrow, state-sanctioned vision of ‘traditional values’ at the expense of fundamental human rights.
I agree, this is a dangerous step towards totalitarianism. Restricting freedom of expression and personal choice in this way is a clear violation of the basic rights of Belarusian citizens.
Lukashenko’s latest move to crack down on ‘non-traditional values’ is a blatant attack on civil liberties. Criminalizing the ‘propaganda’ of homosexuality and childlessness is a concerning sign of the regime’s growing authoritarianism. This is a worrying development for the people of Belarus.
While I understand the desire to preserve cultural norms, this law goes too far in criminalizing the discussion of certain topics. Suppressing information and debate around LGBTQ+ issues and family planning choices is a clear violation of human rights and democratic principles.
While I understand the desire to preserve cultural traditions, this law goes too far in restricting freedom of expression and personal choice. Criminalizing the discussion of certain topics is a dangerous path that undermines democracy.
This new law is a deeply troubling development that further erodes democratic freedoms in Belarus. Imposing harsh penalties for the ‘propaganda’ of homosexuality and childlessness is a clear violation of basic human rights and individual liberties. The international community must condemn this authoritarian crackdown.
While I understand the desire to preserve cultural traditions, this law goes too far in criminalizing the discussion of certain topics. Suppressing information and debate around LGBTQ+ issues and family planning choices is a concerning assault on individual freedoms and democratic principles.
This is a concerning development that further restricts individual freedoms in Belarus. Criminalizing the ‘propaganda’ of homosexuality and childlessness is a concerning overreach by the state. I hope the international community condemns this assault on basic human rights.
This new law is a concerning step backwards for Belarus. Suppressing information and discussion around LGBTQ+ issues and family planning choices is a clear violation of fundamental human rights. I hope the international community responds forcefully to this authoritarian overreach.
This new law is a concerning development that further entrenches the Lukashenko regime’s authoritarian control over Belarusian society. Criminalizing the ‘propaganda’ of homosexuality and childlessness is a blatant attack on civil liberties and personal freedoms.
This new law is a deeply troubling development that further entrenches the Lukashenko regime’s authoritarian control over Belarusian society. Criminalizing the ‘propaganda’ of homosexuality and childlessness is a clear violation of fundamental human rights and personal liberties.
While I understand the desire to uphold traditional values, this law is a concerning overreach by the Belarusian government. Criminalizing the discussion of LGBTQ+ issues and family planning choices is a dangerous assault on fundamental human rights and personal freedoms.
The Lukashenko regime continues to tighten its grip on Belarusian society. This new law is a clear attempt to enforce a narrow, state-sanctioned vision of ‘traditional values’ at the expense of personal liberties. It’s a worrying sign of the government’s authoritarian tendencies.
I agree, this is a blatant crackdown on civil liberties. The fines and penalties for ‘propaganda’ of homosexuality and childlessness are draconian and have no place in a free society.