site.btaIMRO Leader Karakachanov Suggests Referendum "against Gay Marriage and Gender Concepts"

Sofia, February 1 (BTA) - Krassimir Karakachanov, Chairman of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO), has suggested that a referendum "against gay marriage and gender concepts in Bulgaria's education and legal systems" be held, the party's press office said.

The questions which should be put, and concern Bulgarian society, are: should a third sex, social gender and gender identity be introduced in Bulgarian legislation; should gender education be introduced in Bulgaria's education system; should same-sex marriages be recognized in Bulgaria?

Karakachanov urged the leaders of all parliamentary parties to start consultations. He argued that these matters called for a comprehensive solution and the Istanbul Convention was just an occasion to ask the people. It cannot be the only subject of a referendum concerning "the country's future moral, legal and religious and national identity".

He said the wording of the question proposed by the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party, "Are you against the Bulgarian Parliament's ratifying the so-called Istanbul Convention of May 11, 2011?," could be challenged before the Constitutional Court because the legitimate title is "Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence". The question itself is too specific and will not have legal consequences for Bulgarian law outside the ambit of that document, according to the IMRO leader.

Karakachanov stated it was obvious that the huge majority of Bulgarians rejected terms such as "social gender" and policies such as "gender education", and that society was even less accepting of their introduction in kindergartens, schools and universities.