The year 2023 was extremely dynamic in terms of our civic actions related to the protection of the rights of children and parents, marriage and family, freedom of speech and belief. Through our participation in various events and meetings, we reached many more young people, parents, teachers, like-minded people, representatives of other organizations, institutions and the media. We prepared and sent letters and statements key to children, family, freedom and the future of our country to those in power in our country and in Europe. We helped coordinate the initiatives and events for the celebration of International Marriage Week in our country.
The most significant victories for the well-being and future of our children are the decisions in the interpretative case on gender change and the decision in the case of baby Sarah.
Despite the strong pressure, the civil division of the Supreme Court of Cassation decided to uphold our highest law – the Constitution and to protect the children and the future of our country by not allowing the change of sex/gender on documents. The decision took over two years, during which the issue was also referred to the Constitutional Court. As an association, we participated with a petition, opinions, with the translation and promotion of the documentary of Family Watch International “Transgender issues,” which is with the participation of doctors and specialists, as well as adolescents who underwent surgery. At the beginning of this year, we sent a letter to the Supreme Court of Cassation with more clarity on the problem and its solution.
Another big victory is the decision of the Supreme Administrative Court in the case of baby Sara. With it, the court did not allow the entry of two women, who married abroad, as parents in the child’s documents. We publicized the case in the media about why the municipality should appeal the decision of the Administrative Court, following the decision of the Court of Justice of the EU.
In early January, we sent a statement regarding the proposed changes to the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence. In it, we pointed out the vicious practices, conflicts of interest and opportunities for abuse inherent in it. Parliament listened to our request to eliminate the possibility for minors to sue their parents! The same month, we sent a statement regarding the proposed changes to the Law on Education. In it, we insisted that the provision of health and social services to children be carried out only with the consent of the parents.
In February, we asked Bulgarian MEPs to reject the EU’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention. The same month, we asked the European Commission to respect the national competence of Member States in the field of family, in connection with its proposed Regulation on the Recognition of Parenthood in the EU. In the letter, on behalf of our association and many civil and parent organizations and citizens who supported the petition online, we advocated for the right and interest of children to have and know their father and mother.
In March, in partnership with the Austrian organization Safersurfing, we held the event “How to protect your child online?”. We have prepared material on the topic for parents available HERE.
In April, the most dangerous references were removed from the conclusions of the 67th UN Commission on the Status of Women, which aimed to promote the sexualization of children, gender reassignment and gender identity. They will save huge amounts of taxpayers’ money. In recent years, we have actively opposed the introduction of systematic sexuality education and gender reassignment and gender identity in UN documents, recommendations and resolutions.
In May, we were invited to a dinner with the world-renowned conservative Canadian professor, university lecturer, writer and clinical psychologist – Jordan Peterson and his wife, during their visit to Sofia. During the meeting, we briefly introduced them to the achievements over the years and the challenges we face in upholding and preserving marriage, family values, human dignity and freedom.
On behalf of over 11,450 citizens and over 50 organizations that supported our petition, we asked the Bulgarian government to oppose the ratification of the Istanbul Convention by the EU, which it did. Despite this, the convention was ratified by a majority of 2/3 of the countries in the Council of the EU. It will apply in the following three areas of EU competence – asylum, detention and judicial cooperation.
At the end of May, we participated with a statement in connection with the submitted, with some changes, Bill on Protection from Domestic Violence. With the letter, we urged the authorities to clearly and unambiguously define the types of violence, to eliminate unclear and unlawful categories, and to prevent conflicts of interest and the legalization of vicious practices. We supported the holding of a referendum to protect children in school from the ideology of changing their gender and identity.
In June, we supported the Family parade in Sofia, which gathered over 5,000 people.
In July, we met with the Chief of Staff of the Minister of Justice, in connection with the European Commission’s draft Parenthood Regulation. During the meeting, we shared what the consequences of same-sex parenthood will be for children and why it is important not to allow this regulation. We also contributed the support collected so far from over 14,000 citizens and 50 organizations to the petition on the occasion. In early 2024, the Council of the EU, consisting of the justice ministers of the member states, is about to vote on it. Get involved in protecting children by supporting the petition here.
PROTECT THE CHILDREN AND THE FAMILY
At the end of the month, we stood up for the rights of parents and for the interests, health and safety of the child, regarding the proposals for changes to the Family Code. In the letter, we asked the government to reject the possibility of removing a child from the family solely on the basis of a missed deadline, without the obligation for the parent to be informed and without having the opportunity to participate in the court proceedings.
In August, we asked the president to veto the changes to the Criminal Code that were introduced between readings and adopted in one day by the government, which cripple freedom of speech, religion and the media. In the letter, we pointed out that they introduce a new form of discrimination, injustice and division of society, with the introduction of penalties of imprisonment, huge fines and public censure for subjective terms such as “incitement” to hatred, etc.
In September, we again advocated for freedom of speech, conscience and religion with a position paper on the submitted Draft Declaration against Hate Speech. In it, we pointed out that the draft, as well as the platform proposed therein for reporting and investigating “hate” crimes, are highly disturbing and threaten not only freedom of speech, conscience and religion, but also Bulgarian democracy.
In the same month, we called on the government in a letter to appeal the decision of the European Court of Human Rights, according to which Bulgaria must recognize and protect the union of persons of the same sex. In it, we indicated the consequences of this decision on children, the family, society and the future of our country. We also informed the Holy Synod about this. Later on the Synod informed us of its position on the matter. In October, we emphasized the benefits of Bulgaria appealing the decision of the ECHR before the Grand Chamber, in connection with the response received from the Ministry of Justice. At the end of the month, we participated in the international forum of the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship in London, organized by Dr. Jordan Peterson, Baroness Philippa Strode, etc. It brought together 1,500 leaders from different spheres of society from 72 countries, wishing to contribute to a better future.
In November, we called on the Foreign Minister to defend the right of every person to freely express their beliefs and practice their faith, firmly opposing the report presented by Victor Madrigal-Borloz during the 53rd session of the UN Human Rights Council. According to the report, if religious communities correctly interpret their doctrines, they would not be in conflict with LGBT ideology.
At the end of the month, we sent a letter with proposals in connection with the new National Strategy for Children 2024-2030 being prepared. In it, we asked for the Strategy to protect the right of the child to have and know his or her father and mother, the primary right and responsibility of the parent with regard to the upbringing and education of children, etc.
In December, we asked the Bulgarian MEPs to defend marriage, parenthood, the rights and best interests of children, firmly opposing the proposals by the European Commission for a Regulation on the recognition of parenthood.
During the year, we participated in numerous meetings, events and seminars, in radio and television programs related to marriage, family, the rights of children and parents, freedom of speech, etc.
For the 12th consecutive year, we assisted in coordinating the celebration of International Marriage Week in our country, from February 7 to 14. Over 30 diverse educational, cultural and entertainment events, for married and single people, as well as for children, accompanied Marriage Week this year. The mayors of over 15 municipalities supported families on the occasion of Marriage Week with various events. We participated in numerous radio and television programs, in which we shared the importance of fulfilling family relationships for the well-being of children. We gave a guest talk about relationships at one of the capital’s universities.
In order for you to actively participate in our campaigns and petitions in defense of children and families, we encourage you to take a minute to subscribe to our free e-newsletter using the button below.
Association Society and Values carries out its activities thanks to the voluntary donations and help of its like-minded people. Every help and support is very valuable for the implementation of our mission! Get involved too!
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your activity and support!
The Society and Values Association Team
