Protests Erupt in Bulgaria Against LGBTQ+ School Ban

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — A significant protest took place outside Bulgaria’s parliament on Thursday, as demonstrators voiced their opposition to a newly adopted legal amendment that prohibits discussions of LGBTQ+ topics and non-traditional sexual choices in schools. Organized by feminist, LGBTQ+, and various rights groups, the rally aimed to reverse the amendment, which supporters label as a ban on “LGBTQ+ propaganda in schools.” Protesters, waving rainbow flags, chanted slogans such as “Bulgaria is no Russia” and “Silence means death,” while police maintained a presence to ensure order, with no incidents of violence reported. The controversial amendment was passed by Bulgaria’s parliament on Wednesday, with 159 lawmakers voting in favor. Introduced by the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party, the amendment received unexpected support from some pro-European Union parties. It prohibits the “promotion, popularization and support of ideas and opinions related to non-traditional sexual orientation or sexual identification other than biological” within educational institutions. Additionally, lawmakers defined “non-traditional sexual orientation” as any orientation differing from traditional heterosexual norms. Bulgaria, a member of the European Union, has faced criticism for its treatment of the LGBTQ+ community and has been urged to ensure their rights are recognized and protected. The country has also refrained from ratifying the Istanbul Convention, citing concerns that it would promote LGBTQ+ rights, reflecting a broader societal resistance. European rights organizations, including Belgium-based Forbidden Colors, condemned the legislation, describing it as an infringement on fundamental rights, particularly for children. They expressed concern over Bulgaria adopting tactics reminiscent of Russia’s anti-human rights measures, which contradict the EU’s values of equality and non-discrimination.