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How did it all start?
During the 2019 Sofia mayoral election campaign, Volen Siderov used a slogan that spreads discrimination and hatred. “End the gay parades” is not just a slogan, but a promise to restrict the right to free expression and peaceful assembly, guaranteed by the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.
The co-chairs of the LGBTQ+ organization Deystvie – Denitsa Lyubenova and Radoslav Stoyanov – as part of the Sofia Pride organizing committee, first filed a complaint with the Municipal Election Commission. It refused to act, citing lack of competence.
This was followed by a decision from the Commission for Protection against Discrimination stating there was no violation, because Siderov did not name anyone specifically, and there was no discrimination or harassment.
What happened next?
A case was filed with the Administrative Court of Sofia City (ACSC), which ruled that there was no evidence of discriminatory behavior. Siderov’s statements were general and not directed at specific individuals. Denitsa and Radoslav were ordered to pay the legal costs. An appeal was then filed with the Supreme Administrative Court (SAC).
The SAC confirmed the decision, sending the message that political candidates are allowed to campaign with promises to limit fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly and expression, as long as these promises target a community rather than a specific individual. This stands in complete contradiction to EU law and the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.
How did it all start?
During the 2019 Sofia mayoral election campaign, Volen Siderov used a slogan that spreads discrimination and hatred. “End the gay parades” is not just a slogan, but a promise to restrict the right to free expression and peaceful assembly, guaranteed by the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.
The co-chairs of the LGBTQ+ organization Deystvie – Denitsa Lyubenova and Radoslav Stoyanov – as part of the Sofia Pride organizing committee, first filed a complaint with the Municipal Election Commission. It refused to act, citing lack of competence.
This was followed by a decision from the Commission for Protection against Discrimination stating there was no violation, because Siderov did not name anyone specifically, and there was no discrimination or harassment.
What happened next?
A case was filed with the Administrative Court of Sofia City (ACSC), which ruled that there was no evidence of discriminatory behavior. Siderov’s statements were general and not directed at specific individuals. Denitsa and Radoslav were ordered to pay the legal costs. An appeal was then filed with the Supreme Administrative Court (SAC).
The SAC confirmed the decision, sending the message that political candidates are allowed to campaign with promises to limit fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly and expression, as long as these promises target a community rather than a specific individual. This stands in complete contradiction to EU law and the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.
Финансирано от Европейския съюз. Изразените възгледи и мнения обаче са само на автора(ите) и не е задължително да отразяват тези на Европейския съюз. Нито Европейският съюз, нито предоставящият орган могат да бъдат държани отговорни за тях.