From the moment Bulgaria hastily passed its ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law this summer, ECF member RECLAIM has made it a top priority to challenge it.
The law is part of a broader and disturbing trend across Europe, where reactionary forces simultaneously advance Kremlin-inspired anti-LGBTIQ+ propaganda and foreign agent laws. These moves, aimed at curbing civic space, have already taken root in Hungary and in Georgia and are gaining momentum in Bulgaria and in Slovakia.
RECLAIM’s recent Legal Opinion on Bulgaria’s law represents a pivotal moment in the battle against these regressive measures. The opinion outlines how the law violates EU internal market freedoms, non-discrimination directives, and fundamental rights. RECLAIM calls on the European Commission to freeze Bulgaria’s €650 million in cohesion funds and bring the case before the CJEU, as it did with Hungary. If the Commission does not act, the spread of such laws across the Union is inevitable.
RECLAIM’s lawyers are in this fight with you, offering free EU law support to NGOs and grassroots groups protecting civic space. If your organization needs help, they’re here for you—visit their helpdesk site, follow them on social media, or reach out via DM. You can count on them to stand with you.