(ANSA-AFP) - GENEVA, 17 AGO - The United Nations said it was
deeply concerned by Bulgaria's parliament changing its education
laws to ban LGBTQ "propaganda" in schools. The amendment to the
law passed by a large majority this month. It bans the
"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 gender identity
other than the biological one". The UN human rights office urged
Bulgaria to reconsider the move.
"We are deeply concerned by the signing into law of a
legislative amendment in Bulgaria prohibiting discussion of
sexual orientation and gender identity in schools and urge for
it to be reconsidered in line with the country's international
human rights obligations," spokeswoman Elizabeth Throssell said
Friday in a statement.
"Addressing stigma and disinformation is critical to
promoting acceptance and tolerance, and to building inclusive
societies that respect and uphold the human rights of all." She
said the amendment would only deepen human rights violations
against LGBTQ people and bullying and harassment in schools. "It
also flies in the face of Bulgaria's constitutional guarantees
and international human rights treaty commitments to ensure
equality, non-discrimination and freedom of expression,"
Throssell said. "It is crucial that the Bulgarian authorities
take urgent steps to prevent and combat violence, discrimination
and bullying, particularly against LGBT youth and within the
education system." In 2021, Hungary passed a similar law,
banning LGBTQ "promotion" to minors. (ANSA-AFP).
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