Thousands took to the streets in Hungary to protest its Pride ban. (Janos Kummer/Getty Images)
20 EU countries have called for a response to Hungary’s law banning LGBTQ+ Pride marches.
The law was signed into effect by prime minister Viktor Orbán in March, after it was submitted to parliament by his ruling Fidesz party. It set fines of up to 200,000 forints (£420/$550) for organisers of Budapest Pride – and anyone attending. The legislation also allows police to use facial recognition to target and fine anyone at the marches.
In a joint statement, the EU governments said they were “deeply concerned by recent legislative and constitutional amendments infringing on the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ+ persons which were adopted by the Hungarian parliament”.
It went on to say: “We are highly alarmed by these developments which run contrary to the fundamental values of human dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights,” and called on Hungary to revise
the measures and “ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens are respected and protected, thus complying with its international obligations”.
The statement was signed by representatives of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Hungary’s ban has sparked demonstrations, including a “Gray Pride” march. LGBTQ+ advocates said the measures were not about protecting children, as the Hungarian government claimed, but rather a distraction from important issues affecting the country.
One lawyer claimed the ban “humiliates” the trans and intersex community, while 22 embassies, including those of France, Germany and the UK, signed an open letter in which they said the ban restricted “the right of peaceful assembly and the freedom of expression”.
Last month, Hungary approved constitutional changes stipulating that the country only recognised two sexes, following the lead of US president Donald Trump, who signed an executive order in which he declared that the US only recognised “male” and “female” and that these were “unchangeable”.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
How did this story make you feel?
