The Belarusian Justice Ministry has refused to legally register a homosexual rights organization in Minsk.



The organization's website -- gaybelarus.by -- published part of a letter from the ministry explaining the decision.



It stated "the organization does not have in its charter any clauses on supporting social maturity and comprehensive development of the Belarusian youth."



The organization's charter states its major activities will be linked to defending the rights of homosexuals, bisexuals, and transsexuals.



Organizations cannot legally operate unless they are registered with the Justice Ministry.



The group plans to appeal the Justice Ministry's decision to the country's Supreme Court.



Although homosexuality was decriminalized in Belarus after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Belarusian homosexuals often face threats and attacks.



With reporting by Interfax

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