Bulgaria’s homophobic law: Group of foreign envoys reaffirm commitment to human rights

Representatives of several foreign embassies reaffirmed their commitment to human rights, including the rights of LGBTIQ+ community, after receiving a briefing from civil society groups on the amendments to the Pre-school and School Education Act, the British embassy said in a post on Facebook on August 16.

As approved at two readings by Bulgaria’s Parliament on August 7, the amendments to the Pre-school and School Education Act forbid “propaganda, popularization or instigation in any way whatsoever, whether directly or indirectly, in the educational system of any ideas and views related to non-traditional sexual orientation and/or gender identification otherwise than according to the biological sex”.

Tabled by pro-Russian party Vuzrazhdane and approved at second reading with the support of GERB-UDF, Vuzrazhdane, both factions of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the Bulgarian Socialist Party and ITN, the amendments have caused outrage among civil rights groups and already there have been public protests.

On August 15, President Roumen Radev disregarded calls to veto the legislation and promulgated the amendments in the State Gazette.

The briefing on the amendments was attended by representatives from the embassies of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

“We heard more about civil society organisations’ concerns over recent legislative developments that may negatively impact the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ+ individuals and commend the work of civil society to promote non-discrimination and freedom of expression,” the British embassy said.

“We encourage continued dialogue to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated with respect and dignity in line with international human rights standards, and shown kindness and acceptance, in keeping with the best of Bulgaria’s culture and traditions,” it said.

(Photo via the Facebook page of the UK embassy)

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