Bulgaria has enacted legislation prohibiting LGBTQ+ “propaganda” in schools, a move criticized by human rights advocates and organizations.
The amendment to Bulgaria’s education law, passed by parliament on Wednesday, forbids the “propaganda, promotion, or incitement in any form, directly or indirectly, within the educational system, of ideas and views related to non-traditional sexual orientation and/or gender identity other than the biological one.”
The measure, proposed by Bulgaria’s pro-Russian far-right Vazrazhdane party, defines “non-traditional sexual orientation” as inconsistent with Bulgaria’s legal understanding of “emotional, romantic, sexual or sensual attraction between persons of opposite sexes.”
Parliamentarians supported the bill with a significant majority, tallying 159 votes in favor, 22 against, and 12 abstentions.
The law has sparked widespread outcry within Bulgaria, prompting protests and drawing condemnation from human rights groups.
Activists such as LevFem, Feminist Mobilisations, and LGBTQ+ organization Action mobilized under the banner “School for all! Let’s stop the hate!” in opposition to the legislation.
Forbidden Colours, an EU-wide LGBTQ+ advocacy group, denounced the law as a severe infringement on the fundamental rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly children. “It is deeply troubling to see Bulgaria adopt tactics reminiscent of Russia’s anti-human rights playbook,” the group stated, highlighting concerns about regression and discrimination contrary to European Union values of equality and non-discrimination.
Critics argue that the language and intent of the law mirror anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in countries like Russia and Hungary, aiming to diminish the visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals and erode human rights protections.
In 2021, Hungary’s government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party, introduced laws restricting exposure to materials “promoting homosexuality” and other LGBTQ+ issues, drawing international criticism and fears of increased discrimination.
Amnesty International has warned that such legislation creates a climate of fear, marginalizing LGBTQ+ communities, and there are concerns similar repercussions could unfold in Bulgaria.
Advocates are urging the European Union to take decisive action against Bulgaria, emphasizing the need to safeguard equality and human rights principles across member states.
Bulgaria’s record on LGBTQ+ rights places it among the lowest in Europe, with civil rights organizations consistently ranking it poorly. According to the European branch of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, Bulgaria ranks 38th out of 48 countries on its Rainbow Map, scoring significantly below the EU average for human rights and equality.
As pressure mounts on Bulgaria to reconsider its stance, the implications for LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms in the country remain a focal point of international concern.