Belarus's parliament has approved a controversial bill. The new law significantly limits the rights of LGBTQ+ people.

President Aleksandr Lukashenko is known as Europe's last dictator. Freedom has been limited for many years under his rule.

The law bans advertising for same-sex relationships. Organising Pride events also becomes much harder. Advocacy groups say this encourages discrimination.

Human rights organisations respond with anger. Amnesty International calls the law a serious attack on freedoms. It also warns of increased violence against LGBTQ+ people.

LGBTQ+ activists in Belarus have worked under difficult conditions for decades. The new law makes their situation even harder.

The West strongly criticises this measure. The European Union considers further sanctions against Belarus.