Protesters in Bulgaria rallied outside the parliament to denounce a new legal amendment that bans talk of LGBTQ and non-traditional sexual choices in schools. The amendment, aimed at preventing “LGBTQ+ propaganda in schools,” was approved by the parliament with 159 votes in favor. Critics argue that the amendment violates the rights of the LGBTQ community and goes against the values of equality and non-discrimination promoted by the European Union.
The protesters, including feminist and LGBTQ rights groups, waved rainbow flags and chanted slogans calling for a reversal of the amendment. Despite police presence, the rally remained peaceful with no reported violence. The amendment also includes a law defining “non-traditional sexual orientation” as different from the accepted notions in Bulgarian legal tradition.
European rights groups, such as Forbidden Colors, have condemned the legislation as regressive and an assault on the fundamental rights of LGBTQ individuals, particularly children. Bulgaria has faced criticism for its treatment of the LGBTQ community and its refusal to ratify the Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women, due to concerns over promoting LGBTQ rights.
Similar anti-LGBTQ legislation has been passed in other countries in the region, including Hungary, Bosnia, Moldova, and Turkey. Critics argue that these actions draw inspiration from Russia’s anti-human rights playbook and go against the values of equality and non-discrimination upheld by the European Union.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com