Bulgaria passes controversial law banning LGBTQ ‘propaganda’ in schools

Bulgaria on Wednesday (Aug 7) passed a controversial amendment to its education law that widens its scope to ban LGBTQ "propaganda" in school. The amendment, as per reports, has been widely criticised by human rights groups. 

Bulgaria's anti-LGBTQ law

The new law, as per AFP, was proposed by the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party. Passed by a huge majority of 159 votes being cast in favour, 22 against, and 12 abstentions, the law prohibits the "propaganda, promotion or incitement" of ideas related "directly or indirectly" to LGBTQ identities in schools.

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It bans 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".

Non-traditional sexual orientation

Not only that, lawmakers also voted on a separate text that defines what the phrase "non-traditional sexual orientation" means. It defines it 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".

Condemnation rolls in

Even as the amendment received an overwhelming response, the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) and other rights organisations condemned the changes and urged lawmakers not to pass them. 

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In a conversation with AFP, BHC's vice-chair, Radoslav Stoyanov, argued that the law violates "breach basic human rights", including those protected by Bulgaria's constitution and EU regulations. 

The law "bans the dissemination of ideas and concepts, including scientific information," said Stoyanov.

Denitsa Lyubenova from Deystvie, a LGBTQ rights group, described the legislation as discriminatory and said it "implicitly foreshadows a witch hunt and sanctions any educational efforts related to LGBTQ people in school education".

The law reflects ongoing homophobic sentiments in Bulgaria, a country that does not recognise same-sex marriage and has yet to ratify the Istanbul Convention on combating violence against women, which some see as supporting gender diversity.

Rights groups have already started protesting against the amendment, and wider protests are planned for Wednesday evening.

(With inputs from agencies)