LGBT rights in Bulgaria
Bulgaria, like most countries in Eastern Europe tend to be socially conservative when it comes to issues such as homosexuality. However the independent private media now report on gay events, the national and the private television channels cast films with gay themes and gay movies are shown in the cinemas. In addition some famous Bulgarians have come out, meaning the situation in Bulgaria is improving for gays and lesbians.
Protection based on sexual orientation in law
Homosexual sex was legalised in 1968, making Bulgaria one of the first Eastern European countries to legalize gay sex. The age of consent was equalized in 2002. There is no law against gays. All discrimination in law was abolished in 2002, except for laws on male prostitution. An anti-discrimination law has existed since 2003.
Recognition of same sex couples
There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples. In 1999 several dozen Bulgarian gays published a petition demanding the right to marry their partners.
The Bulgarian Supreme Court ruled unanimously to allow a gay man to inherit half the estate of his deceased long-time partner.
Gay life in the country
There are only a few gay clubs, mainly in Sofia and Varna. A 2002 Pew Global Attitudes Project survey recorded that 37% of Bulgarians think homosexuality should be accepted by society. A recent European Union poll shows 15% of Bulgarians support same sex marriage [1].
The main LGBT rights organization in Bulgaria is BGO Gemini [2]. The Bulgarian gay organisation Gemini is a national advocacy organisation, non-profit public entity based on membership principle, founded in 1992. The mission of the organization is to reach inclusive social environment for homosexual, bisexual and transgender people in Bulgaria in all types of legal, social, cultural and economical discrimination and victimisation. It has executed several successful anti-discrimination campaigns in recent years.
See also
External links
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1 Entirely in Southwest Asia; included here because of cultural, political and historical association with Europe. 2 Partially or entirely in Asia, depending on the definition of the border between Europe and Asia. 3 Mostly in Asia. 4 Entirely in the African Plate, included here because of cultural, political and historical association with Europe. 5 Only recognised by Turkey. |
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