The Hungarian parliament approved new legislation that prohibits the promotion of homosexuality and sex change among minors. This rule reinforces an existing legal framework that already banned discussion of homosexuality in educational spaces and required selling books related to the LGTBI community in opaque envelopes.
The approval of this law has generated controversy both nationally and internationally. Human rights defenders and members of the LGTBI community consider it a setback in terms of equality and an attack on freedom of expression. On the other hand, the Hungarian government argues that the legislation aims to protect minors from content it deems inappropriate for their age.
Amid this controversy, the LGBTI Pride march in Hungary, which was to take place in Budapest, was canceled. Organizers reported that the law's prohibition and concerns for the safety of participants were the main reasons for canceling the event.
Given the increasing tension around LGTBI rights in Hungary, the international community has expressed its concern and urged the Hungarian government to respect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
