CIVICUS discusses LGBTQI+ rights in Bulgaria with Manuela Popova, co-director of the Bilitis Foundation, the country’s oldest active LGBTQI+ organisation.
On 7 August, Bulgaria’s parliament passed a law on education that bans ‘LGBTQI+ propaganda’ in schools. The law, proposed by the pro-Russia Vazrazhdane party, criminalises discussion of non-traditional sexual orientations and gender identities in educational settings. Despite protests in the capital, Sofia, it was passed by a significant majority. Critics argue that it violates human rights and European Union standards, and see it as a political manoeuvre designed to appeal to far-right voters at a time of great political instability.
How does the new education law define and regulate ‘LGBTQI+ propaganda’?
The recently passed law amending the Preschool and School Education refers to ‘LGBTQI+ propaganda’ in overly broad terms that serve to restrict LGBTQI+ rights. It prohibits any positive or neutral mention of LGBTQI+ identities in the education system and requires teachers and educational materials to avoid discussions that could be seen as supporting LGBTQI+ issues, particularly with minors. Educators and institutions that fail to comply with the law could face penalties.
This law is part of a disturbing regional trend seen in countries like Russia and Hungary, where similar measures are being used to push for a conservative agenda. These laws disguise the suppression of LGBTQI+ rights and visibility as measures to protect children.
What’s the situation for LGBTQI+ people in Bulgaria?
Discrimination – both legal and societal – is widespread, with limited protection against hate crimes, particularly for trans and gender non-conforming people and little to no legal recognition of diverse gender identities or same-sex relationships. This leaves many LGBTQI+ people, particularly younger people, vulnerable to stigma, harassment and violence.
We need anti-discrimination laws that explicitly cover sexual orientation and gender identity, legal recognition of same-sex partnerships and gender identity, and full protection from hate crimes. But beyond these legal changes, it’s crucial to tackle everyday stigma in education and healthcare.
What progress has LGBTQI+ activism made, and what obstacles does it face?
Despite facing strong opposition, our growing community of activists and allies has made remarkable progress in raising awareness and visibility of LGBTQI+ issues. By holding regular Pride events and working tirelessly to challenge discriminatory practices and advocate for equality, we have achieved some significant victories. For example, we succeeded in getting parliament to amend the Criminal Code to increase protection against hate crimes based on sexual orientation. This was a major victory, as it was the first time in 20 years that Bulgaria legislated in favour of LGBTQI+ rights.
However, the movement still faces significant obstacles, including widespread social conservatism, political resistance and the promotion of ‘traditional Christian values’, which are often opposed to LGBTQI+ rights. The legal and political framework also remains unstable and unsupportive, with little progress in enacting protective legislation.
The new ‘anti-LGBTQI+ propaganda’ law is likely to exacerbate these challenges. By further marginalising LGBTQI+ people, restricting our activism and criminalising the expression of LGBTQI+ identities in educational contexts, it risks increasing stigma and creating a more hostile environment for LGBTQI+ activists and LGBTQI+ people as a whole.
How are you connected to the regional and global LGBTQI+ movements and what international support do you need?
As an LGBTQI+ activist in Bulgaria, I feel deeply connected to the broader regional and global movements. These connections are vital as they allow us to share resources, exchange strategies and provide and receive solidarity in the face of growing challenges.
International support is now more important than ever. With the current unstable government in Bulgaria, there’s a real risk that far-right groups will push for even more discriminatory policies. This could include a potential ‘foreign agents’ law targeting civil society organisations and activists, particularly those working on human rights and children’s rights.
All of this could severely restrict our ability to operate, making international support essential to continue our work. Global networks can help us amplify our voices, put pressure on our government and provide moral and material support. We need allies around the world to stand with us against these regressive moves and help us protect the rights we’ve fought for and counter a political climate that is increasingly hostile to diversity and inclusion.
Civic space in Bulgaria is rated ‘narrowed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor.
Get in touch with the Bilitis Foundation through its website or Facebook page, and follow @bilitisfoundation and @mannierox on Instagram.