The Council of Europe commissioner for human rights, Michael O'Flaherty, has called on Bulgarian president Rumen Radev not to sign a law banning LGBT "promotion" in schools. "Authorities should tackle discrimination and hostile rhetoric against LGBTI people including in the run-up to elections," O'Flaherty said in a post on X on August 12, adding that he was "deeply concerned" by the amendments adopted by Bulgarian lawmakers on August 7 that would ban the "propaganda, promotion, or incitement" in the education system of "ideas and views related to nontraditional sexual orientation." Activists have called on Radev to veto the law, but he has not yet commented on his intentions. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service, click here.
Council Of Europe Commissioner Urges Bulgarian President Not To Sign Law Banning LGBT 'Promotion' In Schools
Crowds gathered on August 7 and 8 in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, to protest the amendment banning the "propaganda, promotion, or incitement" of "ideas and views related to nontraditional sexual orientation."