Seventeen European Union countries have condemned Hungary for enacting laws perceived as discriminatory against LGBTQ individuals, escalating tensions between Budapest and the majority of EU member states. In March, Hungary’s parliament approved legislation that provides a legal foundation for banning Pride marches and permits police to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees. Additionally, constitutional amendments passed in April recognize only two genders, male and female.
The joint statement from the 17 nations, including Austria, Germany, and Spain, expressed deep concern that these developments violate fundamental EU values such as human dignity, freedom, and equality. The countries urged Hungary to reconsider its measures and called for the European Commission to use its legal powers should Hungary fail to comply. This declaration coincided with a hearing on whether Hungary is at risk of violating core EU principles, a process that could, in theory, lead to Hungary losing its voting rights in EU matters. However, diplomats suggest there is insufficient unity among the 27 EU member states to pursue this extreme measure.
Hungarian Minister for European Union Affairs, Janos Boka, countered the accusations, claiming that there is no official ban on Pride events, hoping for a more nuanced understanding of Hungary’s legislation. However, activists argue that these laws effectively amount to a ban. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has openly criticized Pride organizers, and his ruling Fidesz party contends that protecting children justifies limiting assembly rights. European Commissioner for democracy, Michael McGrath, emphasized that freedom of assembly is a fundamental right that must be safeguarded. The European Commission is currently evaluating its options regarding the situation in Hungary.
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