National

In 2006, Interpol reported that there is no legal definition for the age of consent to sexual activity in the legislation. The age of simple majority is 18 years [R1.2].

In 2002, Ilga reported that the age of consent for consensual sex between same-sex couples was equalised [R1.1].

National

Bulgaria does not recognise same-sex partners [R1.1].

In November 2008, the parliament was considering a new draft of the Family Code which introduces civil partnerships into Bulgarian law, but only between a man and a woman [R1.2].

National

In 2004, discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation was made unlawful [R1.1].

On 16 September 2003, Bulgaria's parliament banned discrimination based on sexual orientation and a number of other factors [R1.2].

Previously:

In September 2001, the European Parliament and the European Commission declared that Bulgaria must eliminate provisions in the penal code that discriminate against homosexual men and lesbian women before the country will be allowed to join the European Union [R1.3].

In September 1998, the European Parliament firmly expressed its refusal to "give its consent to the accession of any country that, through its legislation or policies, violates the human rights of lesbians and gay men". The countries concerned are Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, and Lithuania [R1.4].

Courts & Tribunals

On 04 July 2011, the Supreme Administrative Court ruled that the municipal ordinance of the Pazardzhik Municipality that banned the displays of sexuality in public was direct discrimination based on sexual orientation [R2.1].

National

On 09 March 1998, Bulgaria's Parliament passed a measure requiring foreigners who visit for more than one month to take an HIV test [R1].

National

In 1968, consensual sex between same-sex couples was decriminalised [R1.1].

National

The law in Bulgaria prohibits adoption of children by homosexuals [R1.1].