Hungary rejects EU pressure as ‘disgraceful’ anti-LGBTQ law comes into effect
"If Hungary doesn't set things right, the commission will use [its] powers," promises EU boss Ursula von der Leyen.
Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (left) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (via Wiki)
The leader of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, has hit back at pressure from European Union leaders to repeal a new anti-LGBTQ law.
Ostensibly an update to existing legislation protecting children from pedophilia, the law banning the dissemination of LGBTQ content in schools went into effect yesterday (8 July 2021).
Responding, EU boss Ursula von der Leyen reportedly said the law contradicts “basic EU values.”
“It’s a disgrace”
The President of the European Commission added: “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 then said: “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.”
The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán responded on his official Facebook page by saying: “Whatever they do, we will not allow [LGBT+] activists into our children’s kindergartens and schools.”
The leader of the conservative Fidesz party added that Hungarian schooling is not a matter for “Brussels bureaucrats.”
Upon EU law infringement procedures, member states can be referred to the EU Court of Justice and face financial penalties.
According to the BBC, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are soon expected to vote for a resolution urging the EU to speed up legal action against the legislation.