On Friday, Romanian human rights groups condemned a Senate-approved bill banning so-called “gay propaganda” in schools. They noted that this is a direct legitimation of discrimination against the LGBTQ community, which reflects the current reality of Hungary and Russia.
The groups called on the lower house of parliament, which has the final say, to reject the bill. The bill bans the use of materials promoting homosexuality and gender reassignment in schools.
Several Hungarian MPs from the Junior Ruling Coalition Party, who were the initiators of the bill, said it would help prevent violence against children. This was sharply criticised by the European Commission and the case went to court.
“Censorship in the Budapest education system should not be repeated in Bucharest, Romania should refrain from illiberal propaganda, which is strictly controlled by the European Union. Censorship of sexual orientation and gender identity information is a disgrace to Romania, so the lower house should support an end to incitement to discrimination,” said ACCEPT, an LGBTQ rights group.
ACCEPT and local LGBTQ rights group MozaiQ fear that the changes will lead to censorship of films and news about the LGBTQ community and restrictions on public marches and events.
