Gay rights in Bulgaria

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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 towards gays and lesbians.

Contents 1 Protection based on sexual orientation in law 2 Recognition of same sex couples 3 Gay life in the country 4 See also 5 External links

[edit] 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 existed law has existed since 2003.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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].

[edit] See also

• Human rights in Bulgaria

[edit] External links

• BGO Gemini
• Queer Bulgaria
• Resources on Homophobia in Bulgarian