Lewis Hamilton slams Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ law ahead of race – as politician delivers pathetic clapback
Formula One icon Lewis Hamilton has called Hungary's anti-LGBTQ law "unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding."
Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: Instagram/@LewisHamilton
In what could prove to be the most surreal news of the week, Lewis Hamilton has drawn the ire of Hungary’s justice minister Judit Varga after slamming the country’s new anti-LGBTQ law.
And we say good for him!
Taking to Instagram before the Hungarian Grand Prix in Hungaroring on Sunday 1 August, the Formula 1 icon called the law – which amends existing legislation on pedophilia and bans positive LGBTQ representation to under-18s – “unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding”.
“Fake news”
Responding, Varga told Kronen Zeitung: “I have sadly seen that Lewis Hamilton is also joining the camp of international fake news manufacturers by attacking our child protection law.
“I suggest that Lewis Hamilton should read the Hungarian Child Protection Act. And then the shoemaker should stick to making shoes, and an F1 driver should stick to driving.”
View this post on Instagram
Lewis’s message of support to Hungarian LGBTQs in full reads: “To all in this beautiful country Hungary. Ahead of the Grand Prix this weekend, I want to share my support for those affected by the governments’ anti-LGBTQ+ law. It is unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding for those in power suggest such a law [sic].
“Everyone deserves to have the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify. I urge the people of Hungary to vote in the upcoming referendum to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, than ever. Please show love for those around you because love will always win. Standing with positivity.”
Hungary’s law has been condemned by many European leaders and EU boss Ursula von der Leyen, who called it “disgraceful.”
She said in a statement last month: “This law puts homosexuality and gender reassignment on a par with pornography.
“This law uses the protection of children, to which we are all committed, as an excuse to severely discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation. This law is disgraceful.”
She added: “If Hungary doesn’t set things right, the commission will use the powers invested in it as the guardian of the treaties. Let’s be clear. We will use these powers, whichever member state impedes European law.”
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