We condemn the recent ruling in Bulgaria, which prohibits schools from positively representing LGBTQI people or talking about our communities and identities.
This comes as part of a wave of attacks against inclusive education. Our education report shows several Council of Europe countries have implemented similar bans (for instance, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania or Poland).
This legislation puts a gag on academic freedom and creates hostile environments for all students. There is also a link between limiting content on LGBTQI issues and fostering a hostile school climate for students who are or are perceived to be LGBTQI.
And this type of legislation, also impacts LGBTQI teachers and school staff, limiting their ability to work free from discrimination and prejudice. We have seen a moral panic spread across Europe about so-called "LGBTQI propaganda". This moral panic capitalises not only on prejudice against LGBTQI people, it also hinges on the core belief that children and young people are not ready to exercise their rights or understand their identities.
Children are not property of their parents, or of the state, they are their own autonomous humans with rights. The way in which children and young people are precluded from democratic practices and political participation has a direct effect on their rights and freedoms. Anti-LGBTQI actors know there are limitations in how children and youth can reply back. Measures like this one in Bulgaria target children and youth through education because children and youth's voices are not listened to.
Education should reflect the world around us. The fact is, LGBTQI people are a part of the world, and prohibiting any positive mention of LGBTQI people will only create further marginalisation of our communities.
Our solidarity is with the LGBTQI community living in Bulgaria.
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