Bulgaria’s parliament bans LGBTQ propaganda in schools

Bulgaria’s parliament has enacted an amendment to its education law, broadening its scope to ban LGBTQ propaganda in schools.

The move has sparked significant reactions from various groups and individuals.

Details of amendment

The new legislation passed with a substantial majority – 159 votes in favor, 22 against, and 12 abstentions – prohibits the “propaganda, promotion, or incitement in any way, directly or indirectly, in the education system of ideas and views related to non-traditional sexual orientation and/or gender identity other than the biological one.”

Furthermore, the law now defines “non-traditional sexual orientation” as “different from the generally accepted and established notions in the Bulgarian legal tradition of emotional, romantic, sexual or sensual attraction between persons of opposite sexes.”

Opposition from rights groups

In response to the amendment’s adoption, demonstrators gathered in the capital, Sofia, chanting “Shame on you” and “Stop chasing people out of Bulgaria.” Sanya Kovacheva, a 35-year-old architect, expressed concern over the legislation’s potential impact on the LGBTQ community.

LevFem, the group that organized the rally, criticized the amendment, stating it would hinder efforts to address harassment against young LGBTQ individuals in schools.

The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC), a nongovernmental organization, also urged lawmakers to reject the changes, arguing they violate basic human rights protected by the Bulgarian constitution, EU laws, and international conventions.