DISINFO: LGBT rights promoted by UK embassy and Western funds pose a threat to Belarus' domestic security
SUMMARY
The resignation of the Belarusian Minister for Internal Affairs Ihar Shunevich became a controversial news story. Whereas for people holding traditional views, Shunevich was a symbol of loyalty to the officer’s duty, he became an object of hate and was constantly attacked by the population with liberal views. Concerning his anti-homophobic statements, it is worth noting that no legal norms are in place in Belarus which discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation. The efforts by foreign donors and embassies to establish special organisations aimed at promoting same-sex preferences are taken in Belarus as interference in domestic affairs. Moreover, in Belarusian society, where 70% of citizens are Christian believers, promotion of LGBT rights can result in the development of opposing radical sentiments. This is why the activities of the UK embassy concerning the LGBT issue were interpreted by the Ministry of Interior as a challenge to domestic security.
RESPONSE
This message is consistent with recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about the morally corrupt West and its aggressive actions towards Belarus and Belarusian society. After the Belarusian Interior Ministry slammed the UK embassy in Minsk for flying a rainbow flag on the International Day Against Homophobia in 2018, UK Ambassador Fiona Gibb posted a video stating "This embassy is once again flying the rainbow flag as we did in 2015, 2017 and 2018. We do so not to promote LGBT, but to promote equal rights for this community. LGBT people are not asking for special rights, but simply to enjoy the same respect, dignity and rights as others. As human rights are universal and should apply equally to all people, my government is committed to non-discrimination on any grounds, including sexual orientation and gender identity." In Belarus, the systematic restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association in Belarus lead to discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex community, according to the May 2019 Report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus. Belarusian legislation does not have any laws specifically protecting sexual minorities from discrimination. The report reads: "Article 64.9 of the Criminal Code foresees aggravating circumstances for crimes motivated by “hatred or hostility towards any social group”. However, the term “social group” is very vague and prosecutions taking into account the article in regard to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community are reported as rare.” See earlier disinformation cases alleging that the UK embassy in Belarus promotes genocidal and self-destructive policies by flying a rainbow flag on the International Day Against Homophobia, that the West is destabilising Belarus with the help of Nazis and LGBT, promotes the concept of feminine men, and attacks the institution of family in Slavic countries.