site.btaProtest Staged in Sofia against Ban on Propaganda of Non-traditional Sexual Orientation in Schools

A protest, organized by feminist and LGBTI+ organizations, was held in front of Parliament on Wednesday evening against amendments adopted to the Pre-School and School Education Act.

Earlier on Wednesday MPs voted conclusively to ban propaganda, promotion or incitement in any way - directly or indirectly - in the education system of ideas and views related to non-traditional sexual orientation and/or the definition of gender identity other than biological sex.

The protest began with chants "We will not be silent". Protesters carried placards, reading "Do not Go Russia’s way ", as well as "More violence, bullying and aggression in schools - guaranteed by GERB, BSP, TISP and Vazrazhdane”. There was an increased police presence at the scene. "We will not be silent and we will not put up with it," protesters chanted.

"They have won this battle, but they are far from winning. If we have learned anything, it is that solidarity between people is our weapon against hate. Nothing is over," Stoyo Tetevenski of the LevFem group told the rally.

The organizers of the protest are LevFem, Feminist Mobilisations, Feminist Library, Action LGBTI organization, Bulgarian Fund for Women and others. They are calling for reversal of the legal changes and adequate measures against bullying of students because of their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.