Protesters gathered outside the Bulgarian parliament on Thursday to denounce a new legal amendment that bans discussions of LGBTQ+ and “non-traditional sexual choices” in schools. The controversial amendment was passed the day before, sparking outrage among feminist, LGBTQ+, and human rights groups who organized the protest calling for its reversal.
Chanting slogans like “Veto the law!” and waving LGBTQ+ flags, demonstrators voiced their opposition to what they see as a step towards criminalizing non-traditional sexual orientations. The amendment, introduced by the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party and supported by some pro-European Union parties, was passed by a majority vote in the Bulgarian parliament.
Critics argue that the amendment restricts freedom of expression and violates the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Bulgaria, an EU member, has faced criticism in the past for its treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and has been called upon to protect their rights under international law.
Similar anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has been introduced in other countries in the region, such as Hungary, Bosnia, Moldova, and Turkey. However, the backlash against the Bulgarian amendment highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals in Eastern Europe.
The protest outside the parliament was peaceful, with no reports of violence. Protesters are calling for the amendment to be overturned in order to protect the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals in Bulgaria.
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