EU countries up pressure on Hungary over LGBTQ clampdown

BRUSSELS: A majority of EU countries including big hitters France and Germany on Tuesday called on Brussels to take action against Hungary unless it rows back on anti-LGBTQ measures aimed at banning Pride events.Seventeen of the bloc's 27 members signed a letter expressing alarm at the recent legal steps that "run contrary" to the European Union's fundamental values."We therefore call upon Hungary to revise these measures," read the text posted online by several signatories. I

t urged the European Commission "to expeditiously make full use of the rule of law toolbox at its disposal in case these measures are not revised".The letter specifically referred to legislation passed in March that aims to prevent LGBTQ Pride events -- such as the annual celebration planned in Budapest on June 28.The law allows the use of facial recognition technology to identify organisers and enables authorities to fine those who attend such an event.Widely condemned by rights groups, it was the last in a series of legal changes that has seen Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban gradually roll back LGBTQ rights in the name of "child protection".

Budapest banned the official registration of sex changes and the legal recognition of the gender identities of transgender people in 2020.And under a 2021 law, which was disputed by the commission at the European Court of Justice, it is also no longer possible to talk to minors about gender re-assignment and LGBTQ issues.Under Orban, Budapest has regularly found itself at loggerheads with the EU, which has already frozen billions of euros in funds over issues including the treatment of asylum seekers and alleged corruption.