Rumen Radev approves changes to Education Law that restrict mentions of non-traditional sexual orientation
The new rules define “non-traditional sexual orientation” as any emotional, romantic, sexual or sensual attraction that does not follow “generally accepted notions” in the country’s legal tradition, which considers only relationships between people of the opposite sex as normal. The legislation aims to restrict any approach or discussion of sexual diversity in Bulgarian schools.
The amendments’ passage has sparked widespread controversy, drawing comparisons to Russian laws that crack down on the LGBTQIA+ community. Queer rights organizations, feminist groups and human rights groups have expressed concern and called on Radev to veto the bill, arguing that it could trigger persecution and sanction discrimination in schools.
After the law was passed by parliament, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the government building in the capital Sofia to protest the new law. Waving Pride flags and holding signs with messages such as “silence = death” and “cis-heteronormativity = propaganda,” the protesters called for more rights and equality, chanting slogans such as “Bulgaria is not Russia.”
In response, queer rights group Deystvie criticized the new law, warning that it “implicitly portends a witch hunt” and sanctions any educational efforts that involve discussions about the LGBT+ community in schools. The group’s lawyer, Denitsa Lyubenova, said Bulgaria was following in Russia’s footsteps in cracking down on LGBT+ rights.
By Ezatamentchy
Source: Maxima
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