Tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ supporters marched in Romania and Bulgaria's capitals, calling for equality amid rising conservative opposition. Both nations, EU members since 2007, rank last among EU countries for LGBTQ+ rights, with no recognition of same-sex marriage or civil partnerships.
The marches underscore the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Eastern Europe, highlighting the tension between EU integration and deeply entrenched conservative societal values, and the potential for legislative and social change.
Tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ supporters marched in Romania and Bulgaria's capitals on Saturday, advocating for equality and legal recognition of same-sex relationships amid rising conservative opposition. The parades in Bucharest and Sofia highlighted the significant gap in LGBTQ+ rights compared to other European Union member states.
Despite joining the EU in 2007 and adopting human rights legislation, both Romania and Bulgaria consistently rank at the bottom of ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map, which assesses the legal and policy landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals. Neither country recognizes same-sex marriage or civil partnerships, leaving thousands of same-sex couples without legal protection for essential rights like inheritance, hospital visits, and medical decisions.
Rights groups have noted an increase in hostility and hate speech towards LGBTQ+ communities in these Eastern European nations. Concurrently, anti-LGBTQ+ rallies took place in both capitals. In Sofia, a 'March of the Family' celebrated traditional values, supported by the conservative Orthodox Church. In Bucharest, a 'March for Normality' was organized by a nationalist group. The Bulgarian 'Progressive Bulgaria' party also voiced support for the 'March of the Family,' a stance criticized by the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee for prioritizing certain citizens over others.