The European Commission must consider additional sanctions against Hungary in light of new anti-LGBTQI legislation passed this week, MEP Maria Walsh has said.
This week, Hungary’s President signed legislation into law which allows the Government to classify public displays of homosexuality as a child protection issue, effectively banning Pride events. MEP Walsh has strongly condemned Hungary’s decision and has written to Commissioners Michael McGrath and Hadja Lahbib expressing her grave concern about these changes.
MEP Walsh has also requested the European Commission to consider an investigation into the need for additional interim measures to counteract Hungary’s continued violation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
MEP Maria Walsh, member of the European Parliament’s LGBTQI Intergroup, said:
“Hungary’s decision to ban Pride marches is a frightening step backwards for members of the LGBTQI community across Europe. The EU cannot now bend the knee to homophobic and power-hungry tyrants.
“Earlier this week, Hungary’s President signed new legislation into law which allows the Government to classify public displays of homosexuality as a child protection issue – effectively prohibiting LGBTQI gatherings. These actions follow a series of anti-LGBTQI measures, including Hungary’s planned use of facial recognition technology to target individuals attending such events.
“As an LGBTQI individual and ally, being a part of Hungary Pride this year is now against national law – meaning I could face a fine of €500 for simply taking part in Pride festivities and celebrating the beauty of our community.
“The news, however, did not come as a surprise to me as it comes on the back of an already alarming trend in Hungary. Anti-LGBTQI legislation was introduced by the Orbán government in 2021, which censors inclusive sex education, equates LGBTI ‘lifestyles’ with paedophilia, blocks adoption for LGBTI couples, and restricts content in media and advertising. In response to this, the European Commission initiated infringement proceedings last year.
“Pride must be a protest, this year more than ever. As we march in towns and cities across Europe, we must remember our EU neighbours who do not enjoy the same freedoms.
“I have written to Commissioners Michael McGrath and Hadja Lahbib expressing my concern about these developments and to request the Commission to confirm whether this legislation is in contravention of the EU Fundamental Rights Charter.
“Ultimately, European citizens need more than just words from the Commission and I hope to see an investigation into the possible merit of additional interim measures to counteract continued violations of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights by Hungary in the near future.”
