Hungary in crossfire on LGBT law / Article

Despite protests by several thousand people in Budapest, the Hungarian parliament last week approved a bill banning educational programs and materials that promote homosexuality, non-biological gender identity and gender reassignment among minors under the age of 18. The bill was approved by an overwhelming majority in the Fidesz-controlled parliament, led by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

To protest the position of the Hungarian parliament, the city of Munich wanted to light up its stadium in rainbow colors, where the European Football Championship match between the German and Hungarian national teams will take place on the evening of June 23. A petition was also posted on change.org.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) stated that it should reject Munich’s request in view of the political situation in Hungary and emphasized that it was a politically neutral organization. The mayor of Munich criticized the decision, saying:

“I find it shameful that UEFA forbids us here in Munich from sending a signal of cosmopolitanism, of tolerance, of respect and solidarity with the many people in the LGBTIQ community.”

German media reported during the day that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had canceled his plans to attend this evening’s game in person, although his office declined to comment.

At a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Tuesday, June 22, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Siyarto defended the bill, stating that only parents under the age of 18 have the right to teach children about sexual orientation, and the law does not apply to adults.

“I’m really interested in whether those who criticize this law, whether they are politicians or your fellow journalists, have any of you read the text of this law or not?” asked the Minister.

But the European Commission today threatened Hungary with another infringement procedure under the new law.

“The Hungarian bill is a disgrace. [..] This bill clearly discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation, and it is contrary to all the fundamental values ​​of the European Union. It is human dignity, equality, fundamental rights. We will not compromise on these principles, “said EC President Urzula von der Leiena.

At a meeting of European affairs ministers on 13 June, 13 EU member states, including the Baltic states, expressed concern over Hungary’s new law and called on the European Commission to take legal action against Budapest.

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