EU Countries Want Sanctions On Hungary for Anti-LGBTQ Legislation

EU Countries Want Sanctions On Hungary for Anti-LGBTQ Legislation

In time to celebrate Pride month, there are twenty EU countries that are putting the heat on Hungary for its extreme anti-LGBTQ legislation. Hungary has introduced some new, gnarly anti-queer laws, and these European Union nations have signed a statement that urges actions towards the country, saying that this slew of legislation violates human rights laws. Among the new legislation is Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán banning LGBTQ public gatherings, canceling this year's Budapest Pride. The statement was released to mark the beginning of the EU’s General Affairs Council meeting.

Budapest Pride is scheduled to be celebrated on June 28th. Will Hungarian citizens follow the new laws? The nation is also implementing facial recognition by police to identify anyone who organizes or attends LGBTQ events. Creepy. The EU pro-LGBTQ group states that this, on its own, violates human rights. This new Hungarian law was pushed through at a rapid pace, also to become a constitutional amendment.

The nations that have already come together to condem Hungary are statement had been signed by representatives from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. The statement says that Hungary's new anti-LGBTQ legislation violates Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, and further states:

“Respecting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, including LGBTIQ+ persons, is inherent in being part of the European family. This is our responsibility and shared commitment of the member states and the European institutions. We therefore call upon Hungary to revise these measures, to ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens are respected and protected, thus complying with its international obligations.”

Unfortunately, these combined EU nations still don't represent the majority, so it is unclear if any action will be taken against Hungary. EU nations are asking for the nation's voting rights in the EU to be revoked.

Hungary is following conservative actions being taken in Russia and by the US Republican Party. It is all being done under the guise of protecting youth from immoral behaviour. Foreign aid towards the LGBTQ is also being banned, which is detrimental in fighting AIDS/HIV.

There was a protest in Hungary in support of LGBTQ rights that was to take place today, June 1st. Police ordered it to be canceled. All eyes will be on Budapest Pride to see what takes place.