Bulgaria Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Law, Protests Erupt

Bulgaria has officially published a contentious law banning LGBTQ+ "propaganda" in schools, following President Ruman Rudev's decision not to veto the bill. The amendment, introduced by the far-right Revival party and unexpectedly supported by pro-European Union factions, prohibits the "propaganda, promotion, or incitement" of LGBTQ+ ideas in educational settings. This legislation, which passed with a significant majority in parliament on August 7, has sparked widespread protests across the nation, culminating in a demonstration outside the presidential palace. Human rights groups have condemned the law, asserting that it mirrors similar legislation in Russia and poses a threat to LGBTQ+ individuals in Bulgaria. Rémy Bonny, executive director of the advocacy group Forbidden Colours, emphasized that the law is not merely a national issue but a dangerous precedent for Europe. In response, senior members of the European Parliament's LGBTI Intergroup have urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to condemn the legislation, highlighting the risks it poses to children and youth, including increased bullying and health-related issues. The European Commission has sought clarification from Bulgarian officials regarding the law, reaffirming its commitment to combating discrimination against LGBTIQ individuals. Meanwhile, Kostadin Kostadinov, chairman of the Revival Party, hailed the law as a "historic breakthrough," asserting that LGBTQ+ propaganda is "anti-human" and unwelcome in Bulgaria. The country currently ranks third-worst in the EU for LGBTQ+ rights protections, according to ILGA-Europe.