Bulgaria has banned 'LGBTQI+ propaganda' in schools

Bulgaria‘s parliament has approved a law prohibiting the “promotion” of LGBTQ issues in schools, sparking outrage among rights groups and prompting protests in the capital, Sofia.

The new law, which sailed through parliament with 159 votes in favour, bans what it terms as “propaganda” related to non-traditional sexual orientations and gender identities within the education system.

It was put forward by the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party, with the legislation defining “non-traditional sexual orientation” in a way that critics say reinforces heteronormative views.

Radoslav Stoyanov, vice-chair of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, expressed concerns about the law’s implications, telling AFP that it effectively “bans the dissemination of ideas and concepts including scientific information”.

The bill’s passage swiftly saw protesters gather in the capital of Sofia, while LGBTQ+ rights groups have been vocal in their opposition.