Bulgaria has officially published a law that aims to ban “propaganda” about LGBTQ+ individuals in schools, following its passage by Parliament on August 8 and subsequent endorsement by President Rumen Radev in the State Gazette. The legislation amends the existing Preschool and School Education Act to prohibit discussions on “non-traditional sexual orientation” within educational institutions. According to the law, this term is defined as any sexual orientation differing from the traditionally accepted heterosexual relationships in Bulgaria’s legal framework.
The move has sparked considerable criticism from LGBTQ+ rights organizations, including the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA). The organization condemned the new statute, arguing that despite the proponents’ claims of protecting young people, it effectively targets and undermines the rights of LGBTQ+ children. Further details and the official stance of ILGA can be found in their press release.
Bulgaria’s legislation is reminiscent of similar laws in Russia and Hungary, enacted in 2013 and 2021 respectively. These laws have also faced international condemnation, with Human Rights Watch describing Russia’s version as a clear case of political homophobia. Bulgaria joins 15 other member states of the Council of Europe that do not recognize same-sex unions, a stance recently criticized by the European Court of Human Rights as violating Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which safeguards private and family life.
Despite ongoing challenges, organizations such as ILGA continue to monitor and rank European countries on their treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. According to their latest data, Bulgaria ranks 40th out of 49 European countries in terms of LGBTQ+ rights and protections. Further insights into Bulgaria’s ranking and the broader European context can be found on the Rainbow Europe website.
For additional context and developments, the full announcement can be accessed on JURIST.