Protest after Bulgaria’s Parliament approves first reading of law against LGBTI ‘propaganda’ in pre-schools
A protest has been called for August 7 at 6.30pm in the centre of Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia after Parliament approved the first reading of law banning “propaganda, promotion and incitement, in any way directly or indirectly, of ideas or views related to non-traditional sexual orientation or determination of gender identity other than biological” at pre-school level.
The bill, tabled by pro-Kremlin party Vuzrazhdane, was approved with 154 votes in favour, eight against and nine abstentions in Bulgaria’s 240-seat legislature.
The House approved a proposal by Bulgarian Socialist Party MP Georgi Svilenski to amend the Order Paper to proceed immediately to the second and final reading of the bill.
During the three-hour first reading debate, only Elisaveta Belobradova of reformist coalition We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria objected to the bill.
“We are not debating real legislation, but carrying out an act of political campaign,” Belobradova said, referring to Bulgaria’s latest impending early parliamentary elections.
Called by LGBTI rights activists, the protest against the bill was scheduled to be held on Sofia’s Nezavisimost Square.
“We don’t need the propaganda of ‘traditional Christian values’!” organisers said.
“We need to talk about our experiences, problems, and fears in a safe and understanding school environment. We need schools that are fighting against bullying of pupils who are or are perceived to be LGBT+,” they said.
“We have the right to knowledge and access to information on topics related to sex, gender identity and sexual health. This law will unlock even stronger violence against LGBT+ pupils,” the organisers said, describing the legislation as “the law of hate”.
(Photo: parliament.bg)
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