On its last working day of 2018, the parliament of Bulgaria passed the new law, or the Religious Denominations Act, without the severe Church restrictions that evangelicals have been protesting against since October.
The proposed legislation prevented Protestants from practicing their faith including preaching, funding, evangelizing, as well as training conducted by non-Orthodox minority faith with calls to prayer and demonstrations. It also banned foreign preachers from leading services as well as all church-related activities held outside official buildings. According to Evangelical Focus, a Europe-based Christian news site, the approved amendments include regulations on the use of loudspeakers during outdoor worship. Non-Bulgarians can also preach as long as they inform the religious affairs office.
The Religious Denominations Act includes additional regulations in Bulgaria. Under this new law, bigger subsidies from the government will also be given to Orthodox and Muslim groups. Likewise, churches and religious buildings can receive tax deductions by joining an optional national registry. The Baptist World Alliance commended the