Hungary: Controversial gay law in force

Despite massive criticism from abroad and at home, the controversial law restricting information about homosexual and transsexuality has come into force in Hungary. Numerous activists protested against this in Budapest.

In Hungary, the controversial law restricting information on homosexual and transsexuality has come into force. The Fidesz party of the right-wing nationalist head of government Viktor Orban is sticking to the law despite sharp criticism from the EU. Among other things, this prohibits educational programs or advertising from large companies that express solidarity with homosexuals and transsexuals. There should also no longer be any educational books on this. The official goal is the protection of minors.

Protests by numerous activists

Numerous activists protested against the law on Budapest’s streets. “We will not change any of our LGBTQ education programs or any of our campaigns because of a homophobic and transphobic law,” said Amnesty International Hungary director David Vig in Budapest. As a sign of protest, he stood in front of a ten-meter-high rainbow-colored heart in the Hungarian capital. LGBT is the abbreviation borrowed from English for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

Concern about freedom of expression

Luca Dudits, a board member of the LGBT rights group Hatter Society, accused Orban of taking away citizens’ rights while portraying himself abroad as a “freedom fighter”. LGBT activist Dorottya Redai, who lectures on homophobia and bullying in schools, was also concerned: “Teachers will now be afraid to invite us to their schools,” she said.

The Hungarian broadcaster RTL Klub covered its advertising posters for a popular TV series with a picture of a gay couple as a protest. “We are concerned that the law seriously violates freedom of expression and discriminates against non-heterosexual members of society,” read a sticker.

“Gradual dismantling of fundamental rights”

The European Parliament also again opposed the law, which was strongly condemned in a resolution. The law is “a clear violation” of the values, principles and legislation of the EU. It is also another example of “that the gradual dismantling of fundamental rights in Hungary is being consciously and deliberately promoted.” MEPs called for funds to be cut for Budapest.

Von der Leyen called for the law to be withdrawn

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously urged Hungary to withdraw the law immediately. “This law uses the protection of children as a pretext to severely discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation,” she said in the European Parliament on Wednesday. “It profoundly contradicts the fundamental values ​​of the European Union – the protection of minorities, human dignity, equality and respect for human rights.”

If Budapest does not correct the law, the Commission will use the powers it has received in its role as guardian of the treaties, said von der Leyen.

The Hungarian government, for its part, accused Brussels of an “unprecedented campaign”. According to her, the law is only intended to “give back” to parents the choice of how their children would be raised.

Orban defends law against EU criticism

Orban defended the law once again when it came into force: “The European Parliament and the European Commission want us to leave LGBTQ activists and organizations in schools and kindergartens. Hungary does not want that,” he said in a video published on online networks.

Observers assume that the head of government would like to use his course to bind his conservative electorate for the election next year.