The year 2023 was extremely dynamic in terms of our civil actions related to protecting the rights of children and parents, marriage and family, freedom of speech and beliefs. We will also remember her with the opportunity to connect with more young people, parents, teachers, like-minded people, representatives of institutions and the media, through our participation in various meetings and events.
The most significant victories for the well-being and future of our children are the decisions in the gender reassignment interpretation case and the decision in the baby Sarah case.
Despite the strong pressure, external and internal, the civil panel of the Supreme Court of Cassation decided to defend our highest law – the Constitution and to protect the children and the future of our country by not allowing the change of gender on documents. That happened with the court’s decision in February, which took more than two years. During that time, the matter was referred to the Constitutional Court. As an association, we participated with a petition, opinions, with translation and promotion of the American documentary film „Problems in gender reassignment,“ with the participation of doctors and specialists, as well as adolescents who underwent a surgical operation.
At the beginning of this year, we sent a letter to the Supreme Court 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 Sarah. With it, the court did not allow the entry of two women 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.
At the beginning of January, we sent an opinion regarding the proposed changes to the Domestic Violence Protection Act. In it we pointed out the vicious practices, conflicts of interest and opportunities for abuse inherent in it. Our voice was heard in the part about dropping the possibility of minor children to sue their parents! That same month, we sent an opinion regarding proposed changes to the Education Act. In it, we insisted that the provision of health and social services to children should only take place with the consent of the parents.
In February, we asked the Bulgarian MEPs to reject the EU’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention.
In the same month, we asked the European Commission to respect the national competence of member states in the family sphere, in relation to its proposed Regulation on the recognition of parentage in the EU.In the letter, on behalf of our association and over 40 civil and parenting organizations and the citizens who supported the online petition, 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 in the online environment?“. We have prepared material on the topic for parents available in Bulgarian language HERE.
In May, we were invited to dinner, in a small circle, with the world-famous 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 what has been achieved over the years and the challenges ahead of us to defend and preserve marriage, family values, human dignity and freedom.
On behalf of over 11,450 citizens and over 50 organizations who supported our petition, we asked the government of our country to oppose the EU’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention, which it did. Nevertheless, the convention was ratified by a majority of 2/3 of the parties 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 an opinion in connection with the submitted, with some changes, the Draft Law on Protection from Domestic Violence. With the letter, we demanded that the rulers clearly and unequivocally define the types of violence, remove vague and illegal categories and not allow conflicts of interest and legitimization of vicious practices.
In June, we supported with our participation the Manifestation for the Family in Sofia, which gathered nearly 6,000 people, as well as the referendum on the protection of children.
In July, we met with the head of the office of the Minister of Justice, in connection with the European Commission’s draft Parentage Regulation. During the meeting, we shared what the consequences of same-sex parenting will be for children and why it is important not to allow this regulation. We also contributed the support collected up to that time from over 14,000 citizens and 50 organizations to the petition on the occasion.At the beginning of 2024 the Council of the EU, consisting of the justice ministers of the member states, is to vote on it. Get involved in protecting children by supporting the petition here:
In July, we advocated for the rights of parents and for the interest, health and safety of the child, on the occasion of the proposed changes to the Family Code. In the letter, we requested that the authorities reject the possibility of removing a child from the family only on the basis of a missed deadline, without the obligation for the parent to be informed and without the opportunity to participate in the legal proceedings.
In August, we asked the president to veto the changes to the Penal Code that chill freedom of speech, faith and the media, introduced between readings and passed in one day by the ruling party. In the letter, we pointed out that they introduce a new form of discrimination, injustice and division of society, with the introduction of prison sentences, huge fines and public censure for subjective terms such as „incitement“ to hatred, etc.
In September, we once again stood up for freedom of speech, conscience and religion with an opinion on the submitted Draft Declaration against hate speech. In it, we pointed out that the project, as well as the platform proposed in it for reporting and investigating „hate“ crimes, are highly disturbing and endanger not only freedom of speech, conscience and religion, but also Bulgarian democracy.
In the same month, we urged the government in a letter to appeal the decision of the European Court of Human Rights, according to which Bulgaria must recognize and protect same-sex unions.In it we pointed out the consequences of this decision on children, family, society and the future of our country. We also informed the Holy Synod about this, which informed us about its opinion on the occasion.
In October, we highlighted the benefits of Bulgaria appealing the ECtHR decision 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 Alliance for Responsible Citizenship International Forum in London organized by Dr Jordan Peterson, Baroness Philippa Stroud and others. It brought together 1,500 leaders from various spheres of society from 72 countries willing 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 by firmly opposing the report presented by Victor Madrigal-Borloz at 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 requested the Strategy to protect the right of the child to have and know his father and mother, the primary right and responsibility of the parent regarding the upbringing and education of the children, etc.
In December, we asked the Bulgarian MEPs to stand up for marriage, parenthood, the rights and the best interests of children, firmly opposing the European Commission’s proposed Regulation on the recognition of parentage.
During the year, we participated in numerous meetings, events and seminars, in radio and television programs in connection with marriage, the family, the rights of children and parents, freedom of speech, etc.
For the 12th year in a row, we assisted with the coordination of celebrating International Marriage Week in our country, from February 7 to 14. Over 30 diverse educational, cultural and entertainment events, for families and singles, as well as for children, accompanied the Week of Marriage this year.The mayors of over 15 municipalities supported families on the occasion of Marriage Week with various events.We participated in various media where we shared the importance of fulfilling family relationships for the well-being of children. We were guests with a talk about relationships at one of the capital’s universities.
To be actively involved in our child and family advocacy campaigns and petitions, we encourage you to take a minute to subscribe to our free e-newsletter from the button below.
Society and Values Association carries out its activities thanks to the voluntary donations and help of its like-minded people.Any help and support is very valuable to accomplish our mission! Get involved too!
We’d love to hear from you! Write to us at: [email protected]
The Society and Values Association team
