In front of the presidency in Sofia, demonstrators have gathered to voice their opposition to recent legal changes that restrict the promotion of non-traditional sexual orientations in schools, calling for President Rumen Radev to intervene. The event, organised through Facebook, faced a counter-demonstration supporting the new legislation, leading to an increased police presence in the area to maintain order.
The controversial amendments to the Law on Pre-School and School Education were signed into law earlier today by President Radev, as confirmed by his press office. These amendments were passed by the Bulgarian parliament last week, championed by the parliamentary group "Revival." They specifically prohibit the propaganda, promotion, or incitement—whether directly or indirectly—of concepts relating to non-traditional sexual orientations and gender identities differing from one's biological sex.
The term "non-traditional sexual orientation" is defined within the context of Bulgarian norms as any emotional, romantic, sexual, or sensual attraction that deviates from the heterosexual standard traditionally accepted in Bulgaria. The parliamentary vote saw 135 deputies in favour of the amendments, with 57 against and eight abstentions.
On Monday, the president's administration received a petition bearing 7,038 signatures from citizens and supported by 76 non-governmental organisations. The petition urges President Radev to veto the amendments. This initiative was driven by the "Buditelkite" Foundation and the Youth LGBTQ+ organisation "Action."
Internationally, there has been notable concern regarding Bulgaria's legislative changes. The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe expressed on Monday a "deep concern" about the newly adopted law and its implications for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in educational settings.
As the debate continues, both within Bulgaria and beyond its borders, the implications of this legislative change are likely to unfold in the coming weeks and months.