We Condemn Bulgaria’s New Anti-LGBTIQ+ Law

We unequivocally condemns the recently passed legislation in Bulgaria that bans the portrayal of LGBTIQ+ identities in schools. This law is a blatant attack on children’s rights and echoes the discriminatory policies seen in Russia and Hungary.

This law is a direct assault on the fundamental human rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals, particularly children. It is deeply troubling to see Bulgaria adopting tactics from Russia’s anti-human rights playbook. Such actions are not only regressive but are also in direct contradiction to the values of equality and non-discrimination that the European Union stands for.

Yesterday, the Bulgarian Parliament voted with a significant majority to amend the Preschool and School Education Act (PSEA), introducing a ban on “propaganda, promotion, and incitement” of non-traditional sexual orientations and non-biological gender identities in educational settings. This legislation not only targets schools but extends its reach to any portrayal of LGBTIQ+ people in the vicinity of these institutions.

The wording of this law is disturbingly reminiscent of the Russian and Hungarian anti-LGBTIQ+ propaganda laws. This is a clear attempt by the Bulgarian government to roll back the clock on human rights and suppress the visibility of LGBTIQ+ individuals.

The swift passage of this law, with both readings held in a single day, raises serious concerns about the legislative process and the intent behind such haste. We call upon the European Commission to initiate infringement procedures against Bulgaria, similar to the actions taken against Hungary. The EU must demonstrate that it will not tolerate such blatant violations of human rights within its member states.

The introduction of this law has sparked protests across Bulgaria, with activists and organizations rallying under the banner “Schools for all! Let’s stop the law of hate!”. The protest, organized by groups including LevFem, Feminist Mobilizations, and the LGBTIQ+ organization Action, underscores the widespread opposition to this discriminatory legislation.

The European Union cannot stand idly by while one of its member states enacts laws that endanger the safety and rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals. We urge the European Commission to take decisive action against Bulgaria to uphold the principles of equality and human rights that are at the core of the EU.