Protesters Rally Against Bulgaria's Controversial LGBTQ+ Education Ban

Protesters gathered outside Bulgaria's parliament to oppose a new legal amendment banning discussions about LGBTQ+ issues in schools. The amendment, supported by the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party and some pro-EU parties, was condemned by rights groups as a breach of fundamental rights.

Protesters rallied outside Bulgaria's parliament on Thursday, voicing strong opposition to a newly adopted legal amendment that prohibits discussions on LGBTQ+ issues and so-called non-traditional sexual choices in schools.

This demonstration, organized by feminist, LGBTQ+, and other rights groups, demanded the reversal of the amendment, which critics label as a ban on 'LGBTQ+ propaganda in schools.' Waving the rainbow flag, the protestors chanted slogans such as 'Bulgaria is no Russia' and 'Silence means death,' while police officers ensured the event remained peaceful with no reports of violence.

The amendment, proposed by the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party and surprisingly endorsed by some pro-European Union parties, was passed by a significant majority of 159 votes in the 240-seat parliament. It prohibits the promotion, popularization, and support of ideas and opinions related to non-traditional sexual orientation or identification in educational institutions.

Rights groups, including Belgium-based Forbidden Colors, slammed the new legislation as an affront to fundamental rights. 'It is deeply troubling to see Bulgaria adopting tactics from Russia’s anti-human rights playbook. Such actions are regressive and contradict the European Union's values of equality and non-discrimination,' the group stated.

Similar anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been enacted in other countries in the region, such as Hungary, Bosnia, Moldova, and Turkey, raising concerns over human rights in Eastern Europe.