Council of Europe Urges Bulgarian President to Veto Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

In a significant development, Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, has called on Bulgarian President Rumen Radev to veto a controversial new law banning discussions of LGBTQ+ topics in schools.

O’Flaherty made this appeal through a post on the social media platform “X” on Monday, expressing deep concern over the legislation.

The law, recently passed by the Bulgarian parliament after both first and second readings, now awaits the president’s decree for promulgation.

O’Flaherty’s statement highlights the need for authorities to combat discrimination and hostile rhetoric against LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in the sensitive climate of upcoming elections.

The legislation, proposed by the pro-Russian party “Revival” (Vazrazhdane), criminalizes the “promotion” of “non-traditional sexual orientation” and gender identities that differ from biological ones.

This move mirrors similar laws in Hungary and Russia, which have faced considerable criticism from Brussels for their restrictive and discriminatory nature.

The law’s passage last Wednesday sparked immediate backlash, leading to protests in Sofia and Varna. Demonstrators voiced their opposition to the legislation, fearing it would further marginalize and stigmatize LGBTQ+ communities in Bulgaria.

In a related development, MEP Radan Kanev from the “We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria” (WCC-DB) alliance announced plans to appeal to the European Commission (EC), the European Parliament (EP), and the European People’s Party (EPP) to evaluate the newly adopted amendment.

Kanev emphasized the need for European institutions to scrutinize the law, considering its potential violation of fundamental human rights and EU principles.

On the grassroots level, the “Buditelkite Foundation” and the “Deystvie” youth LGBTQ+ organization have been at the forefront of opposing the law.

On Monday, they submitted a petition with 7,038 signatures from citizens and endorsements from 76 non-governmental organizations, urging President Radev to use his veto power.

The petition reflects widespread concern within civil society about the law’s implications for freedom of expression and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

O’Flaherty’s appeal underscores the broader European context of this issue. The Commissioner for Human Rights has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has consistently opposed legislative measures that discriminate against sexual minorities.

His intervention in Bulgaria’s legislative process is a reminder of the international scrutiny and pressure that national governments face when enacting such laws.

As Bulgaria navigates this contentious issue, the response from President Radev will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.

The president’s decision will not only impact the immediate future of LGBTQ+ rights in Bulgaria but also signal the country’s stance on human rights issues to the broader European community.

The controversy surrounding the law has also highlighted the deep political and social divisions within Bulgaria.

As the country prepares for upcoming elections, the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and the protection of their rights have become a focal point of public debate.

The outcome of this legislative battle could have far-reaching implications for Bulgaria’s political landscape and its relationship with the European Union.

In the coming days, all eyes will be on President Radev as he deliberates on whether to endorse or veto the controversial law.

The decision will be a critical moment for Bulgaria, reflecting its commitment to human rights and equality in the face of growing international scrutiny.