Uncategorized

Uproar in Hungary Over Anti-LGBT Law

Reading Time: < 1 minute

On Tuesday, Hungary’s parliament passed a so-called pedophile law, which critics say is actually directed at the LGBT community and also restricts freedom of expression. Introduced by the ruling Fidesz party which has a two-thirds majority in parliament, the legislation includes a public register of convicted sex offenders and introduces tougher penalties for those prosecuted.

Considering the other stipulations the bill entails, however, many see it as anti LGBT. Critics point out that the law conflates pedophilia with LGBT issues, banning distribution in schools of materials that deal with homosexuality or gender issues, prohibiting teachers from discussing them, and placing limits on media content and advertising dealing with gay or transgender themes.

The law is being condemned by NGOs and human rights groups in Hungary. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says the European Union will look into the legality of the bill.

Seen as the latest anti-LGBT move by the ruling Fidesz party, the passing of the bill is also viewed as a successful attempt to split the opposition parties in the Hungarian parliament before next year’s elections. Leftist opposition parties had boycotted the vote, while opposition party Jobbik voted to pass the bill.

Aside from several thousand protesters demonstrating in front of Hungary’s parliament against the legislation, several media businesses have issued statements in support of the LGBT community in Hungary. The country’s largest commercial TV broadcaster, RTL Klub, has been broadcasting a rainbow version of its logo since the passing of the law and pointed out in a statement that everyday movies like Billy Elliot, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and some of the Harry Potter films would be relegated to late-night time slots due to the law.

Sources: Reuters, Euronews, Kreativ

 

CET Editor

Recent Posts

US soldiers die during Lithuania training exercise

A total of three US soldiers were found dead while a fourth remains missing after…

2 days ago

Trump-Putin detente could revive Nord Stream 2

The US and Russia are discussing the potential reopening of the Nord Stream 2 gas…

3 days ago

Dodik dodges arrest warrant, surfaces in Moscow

Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik announced that he had arrived in Moscow on Monday…

3 days ago

CEE startups outpace Western Europe rivals

Startups in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are growing faster than in Western Europe and…

3 days ago

Gender pay gaps remain in CEE, despite EU efforts

Romania and Poland have gender pay disparities among the lowest in the EU, according to…

2 weeks ago

Europe’s trilemma: rearmament, green transition, competitiveness

European leaders met in Brussels on 20 March to confront a mounting policy dilemma: how…

2 weeks ago