Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have adopted a non-binding resolution to condemn Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) law, which bans gay people from featuring in school educational materials or TV shows for minors. The resolution was passed with 459 against 147 votes and 58 abstentions. The MEPs also urged the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to take legal action against Hungary for violating European Union (EU) law.
On Thursday, the MEPs noted: “These human rights violations are part of a broader political agenda to break down democracy and the rule of law, including media freedom, and should be considered a systemic violation of EU values.” They also urged the President of the Commission to accelerate an infringement procedure against Hungary that could result in financial penalties.
In addition, the resolution suggested halting coronavirus recovery funds to Hungary, citing concerns over corruption. In this regard, the lawmakers said the EU should link access to common funds with adherence to the rule of law and democratic principles. Hungary is yet to receive €7.2 billion from the Union as part of the recovery fund. Moreover, the members encouraged the European Council to initiate the next phase of the punishment mechanism and encourage Budapest to repeal the controversial law.
However, Hungary has refused to repeal the anti-LGBTQ+ law, with Prime Minister (PM) Viktor Orbán, claiming that it protects children and doesn’t discriminate against “sexual minorities.” The PM’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, reiterated Orbán stance, saying, “Brussels’ efforts to have us allow LGBTQ activists into schools and nursery schools are in vain. We are not willing to do that.”
Meanwhile, Hungary’s pro-government newspaper, Magyar Nemzet, accused the EU of meddling in Hungarian politics, saying: “[The European progressives] want the EU institutions to oppose the Hungarian government using sanctions... In other words, they want them to intervene in the 2022 parliamentary elections by withdrawing money.” On the contrary, another Hungarian newspaper slammed the Orbán government for demanding respect and adopting autocratic principles. The paper stated: “The Orbán government and its huge media machinery are always attacking their domestic political opponents and their chosen targets, trampling on human dignity.”
The anti-LGBTQ+ law was passed by the Hungarian government last month to ban the dissemination of content on homosexuality, transgender and sex reassignment to the under-18 age group. The legislation also effectively forbids the portrayal of same-sex love in TV commercials, shows, and advertisements made for minors. Despite international condemnation and the Union’s threat of funding cuts, Hungary has refused to allow LGBTQ+ activists in schools. As a result, the European institutions have threatened Hungary with severe punitive action for violating the rule of law and might drag it to the European Court of Justice.
EU, Hungary Rift Deepens As Hungary Refuses to Repeal Controversial Anti-LGBT Law
Despite threats from the EU, Hungary has refused to repeal the anti-LGBTQ+ law, which restricts the dissemination of content on homosexuality, transgender and sex reassignment to minors.
July 9, 2021
SOURCE: REUTERS