Bulgarian law on religion provokes controversy

SOFIA, Bulgaria — The Bulgarian Parliament has passed a controversial law recognizing the dominant role of the Orthodox Church and requiring all other denominations to register.

The law defines Orthodox Christianity as “the traditional religion in Bulgaria” that “plays a historic role in Bulgarian statehood.”

One objective of the law is to end a deep rift between supporters of Patriarch Maksim, who stands accused of collaboration with communist rulers from 1971 to 1990, and rival leaders.

The law’s provisions are a source of serious concern for representatives of minority religions and human rights groups, who argue that the law grants a privileged position to the Orthodox Church and could lead to discrimination against other faiths.