Hungary's controversial law: EU sues for human rights violations!

Hungary's controversial law: EU sues for human rights violations!

A dramatic duel between Hungary and the European Union has begun! The European Court of Justice has started hearings on a controversial law criticized as anti-LGBTQ. The focus is on the Hungarian child protection law, which was passed in 2021 and is supposed to protect children from harm. But the EU accuses Budapest of using this law to undermine fundamental human rights values ​​and to commit a “massive and flagrant violation” of important EU rules.

The European Commission lawyers, who referred the case to the Court of Justice in December 2022, speak of a “frontal and serious attack on the rule of law”. The law restricts the portrayal of homosexuality and gender reassignment in media and educational content for under-18s, which has sparked a storm of outrage from activists and politicians in other EU countries. They criticize that the law stigmatizes LGBTQ people and equates same-sex relationships with pedophilia.

Reactions and legal consequences

There is widespread anger over the law: in April, the European Parliament passed a resolution strongly condemning the law, claiming it contributed to the erosion of democracy in Hungary. Sixteen of the 27 EU member states, including France and Germany, support the legal action against Budapest, calling the case the largest human rights case in EU history. If Hungary is found guilty, it could face heavy fines or even the suspension of voting rights in EU meetings.

The Hungarian government under Prime Minister Viktor Orban rejects the allegations and emphasizes that the law serves to protect children. A referendum in favor of the law is cited as evidence of popular support. But the EU remains skeptical and is also pursuing other legal actions against Hungary, including laws on “sovereignty” and foreign influence.