Belarus has introduced penalties for “propaganda” of homosexual relationships, gender transition, paedophilia and childlessness, following a model similar to neighbouring Russia.
Long-time ruler Alexander Lukashenko signed the law, which includes a section on the “protection of traditional values,” the presidential administration in Minsk said on Wednesday.
The legislation allows fines of up to the equivalent of nearly $500 and possible prison sentences.
Lukashenko has ruled the former Soviet republic since 1994 with an authoritarian grip. The close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly faced accusations of human rights abuses.