Ombudsman reacts against stigmatisation in society

Any action that creates conditions for stigmatisation of a group of people, persecution, division and hatred in society is contrary to all the leading international human rights standards that the Republic of Bulgaria, as a country governed by the rule of law, is committed to ensuring for its citizens. This is stated in a position paper by the Ombudsman's institution on the complaints received from citizens and professional organisations sharing their concerns about the list of teachers published on social networks and the threats of harassment.

The reason for the tension was the amendment to the Pre-school and School Education Act, which prohibits the propagation, promotion or incitement in the education system of ideas and views related to non-traditional sexual orientation and the definition of gender identity other than biological.

The position emphasises that official institutions and organisations must respect and guarantee human dignity, the right to express oneself freely as a citizen and to hold one's own opinion, especially on issues of public importance.