Bulgaria Tightens Restrictions on LGBT "Propaganda" in Schools

Bulgaria Tightens Restrictions on LGBT “Propaganda” in Schools

Response to the Paris Games Opening Ceremony

On July 26, the opening ceremony of the Paris Games sparked strong discontent among Bulgarian leaders and the Orthodox Church. The prominent presence of drag queens, homosexual individuals, and an atmosphere deemed overly lascivious fueled criticism, particularly in conservative circles. Bulgaria, a former communist country, remains steadfast in its refusal to legalize same-sex marriage or civil unions. In response to this climate, the Bulgarian Parliament passed a law on Wednesday, August 7, banning LGBT “propaganda” in schools, a measure approved by a large majority of deputies.

Political Context and Repercussions

For the past ten days, the far-right, pro-Russian party Vazrajdane (“Renaissance”) has capitalized on this controversy, denouncing what it calls the “propaganda” of decadence and the “unacceptable normalization” of non-traditional sexual orientations. The debate was further inflamed by the controversy surrounding hyperandrogenic boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu Ting. Vazrajdane successfully rallied a majority of deputies to its cause, securing 159 votes in favor, 22 against, and 13 abstentions for its amendment.

Hungarian Inspiration and Impact on Education

This new legislation now makes it illegal to promote non-traditional sexual orientations in schools, thereby limiting the scope of sex education courses. This ban also complicates efforts to combat school bullying against LGBT youth. The Bulgarian law is largely inspired by a 2021 Hungarian law, which itself drew strong criticism from the European Union. Under the guise of child protection, Hungary had banned LGBT-themed advertisements accessible to minors.

Strained Relations with Brussels

While relations between Sofia and Brussels are less strained than those between Brussels and Budapest, tensions are nonetheless expected. With elections scheduled for October, Bulgaria could face another period of political instability, which could disrupt several European issues, including the appointment of Bulgaria’s representative to the Commission and entry into the eurozone planned for January 1, 2025. Additionally, attacks on LGBT rights could hinder Bulgaria’s access to post-Covid European recovery funds, which are partially conditional on respect for the rule of law. This is not the first time Bulgaria has come under scrutiny by European authorities: in 2022, the European Court of Human Rights criticized Bulgarian law for its leniency towards perpetrators of homophobic crimes.