site.btaParliament Backs First-Reading Liability Exemption for Discrimination Protection Committee Members

The National Assembly passed at first reading on Thursday amendments to the Protection against Discrimination Act exempting members of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination (CPD) from criminal and civil liability for acts in office, except for intentional offences.

The Council of Ministers submitted the bill, arguing it would safeguard CPD members’ independence without extra spending or administrative burden.

The explanatory notes said the bill sought to guarantee CPD members’ independence and freedom from external influence. The proposer said current national legislation contained no explicit provision safeguarding CPD members’ independence in performing their official duties.

Implementing the new provisions did not require additional budget funds or an increase in the administrative burden.

Vazrazhdane MP Dimo Drenchev said CPD was entirely pointless and should be shut down. He said it is scandalous to exempt its members from criminal liability and added this amounted in substance to functional immunity.