The European Commission has reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating discrimination and inequality, in response to Bulgaria’s newly enacted law that bans the promotion of “non-traditional sexual orientation” and the “determination of gender identity other than biological” in schools.
Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper emphasized the European Union’s firm stance on non-discrimination and the importance of allowing individuals to freely express their identity within the Union.
Addressing a query about whether this law aligns with European values and laws, Hipper declined to speculate on potential repercussions, such as the suspension of funds under the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
However, her comments underscored the EU’s disapproval of the legislation, which has been likened to similar laws passed in Russia, Hungary, and Poland.
The controversial bill was proposed by Kostadin Kostadinov and members of his pro-Russian party, “Revival” (Vazrazhdane).
It amends the Law on Preschool and School Education to include provisions that prohibit the promotion of non-traditional sexual orientation or gender identities differing from biological sex within the education system.
The bill’s proponents argue that traditional human society is built on a gender binary, a viewpoint supported by a recent ruling from Bulgaria’s Constitutional Court, which defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
Critics of the bill have pointed out that its definition of “traditional sexual orientation” is directly copied from Wikipedia, highlighting a lack of rigorous legislative drafting.
They argue that the law will contribute to an environment of discrimination and exclusion for LGBTQ+ students, who already face significant challenges in Bulgarian society.
International human rights organizations have also condemned the legislation. Human Rights Watch issued a statement declaring that the law violates the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and goes against the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in international human rights treaties to which Bulgaria is a signatory.
Amnesty International echoed these sentiments, urging the Bulgarian government to reconsider the law and to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Within Bulgaria, the law has sparked significant debate and protests. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and their allies have organized demonstrations in major cities, demanding the law’s repeal and calling for greater protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
They argue that the law not only stigmatizes LGBTQ+ individuals but also fosters an environment of fear and intolerance in educational settings.
In contrast, supporters of the law maintain that it is necessary to preserve traditional values and protect children from what they view as harmful ideologies.
They argue that the law upholds the constitution’s definition of marriage and reflects the values of a significant portion of the Bulgarian population.
The European Commission’s response highlights the growing tension between EU institutions and member states over LGBTQ+ rights.
The Commission has previously taken legal action against Hungary and Poland over similar laws, and Bulgaria’s new legislation could potentially lead to further conflicts within the Union.
As the debate continues, the EU’s stance remains clear: discrimination and inequality have no place in Europe. The Commission’s commitment to these principles serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of upholding human rights for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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