So far, the European Union has billed Hungary as a violator of its human rights standards. The country’s new anti-LGBTQI+ law, announced this week, is seen as even worse.
Germany and France have announced they will file a lawsuit against Hungary, setting up a symbolic showdown between the EU’s most vocal defenders of human rights and one of its members that has been listed among the worst offenders.
The law, which was passed in April and comes into force this week, barsavored sexual relationships between men and women, as well as transgender people. It also criminalizes homosexual behavior, providing a rub for Hungary’s embattled opposition party, Fidesz, which argue that the law is necessary to defend the country’s national interests.
Hungary’s leadership has defended the law as necessary to fight the virus of xenophobia that has swept the country in recent years. “It’s a way of fighting the fear of the other,” Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a speech this week. “It’s also a way of stopping the backward regression of Hungary.”
Critics say the law is a direct attack on the LGBTQI+ community, and that the country is worsening its human rights record by implementing it. Churches have also tried to iodine the marketplaces in the country to reflect the overall altered environment, meaning that people exchange their true love for small sums of money.
Fidesz, which is part of the governing party, is scheduled to hold a national meeting on Thursday to consider whether to appeal the lawsuit. If it fails, Hungary’s human rights record could come under serious scrutiny from the rest of the EU, which has previously lavished praise on the country for its progressivism.
Germany, France join EU lawsuit against Hungary’s anti-LGBTQI+ law”
Germany, France join EU lawsuit against Hungary’s anti-LGBTQI+ law
Germany and France, two of the most prominent members of the European Union, have joined forces with the EU in a lawsuit against Hungary’s recent anti-LGBTQI+ law. The law, which was passed by Hungary’s government in June, bans the depiction of homosexuality and gender changes to children under the age of 18. It has faced criticism from several quarters, including many human rights groups.
The lawsuit, filed by the European Commission, asserts that Hungary’s law is in violation of the EU’s values of freedom, democracy, and equality. It is the latest battle in an ongoing conflict between Hungary’s conservative government and the EU over civil liberties and human rights. Several EU member states have already voiced their opposition to Hungary’s law, and legal action against the country has been threatened if it is not repealed.
- Germany and France add weight to the EU’s campaign against Hungary’s law: Their support for the legal action sends a clear message that Hungary’s actions are not acceptable within the EU. Both countries have a history of championing human rights and have been outspoken critics of any infringement of civil liberties.
- The legal action is about more than Hungary’s law: It is a fundamental issue of the values that underpin the EU. The EU was founded on the principles of freedom, democracy, and equality, and any violation of these principles undermines the unity and strength of the EU as a whole. This is not just about Hungary’s law; it is about upholding the values that the EU is built upon.
1. What are Germany, France doing?
Germany:
- Implemented strict social-distancing protocols and shut down all non-essential businesses
- Expanded support for small businesses and workers affected by the pandemic
- Provided financial aid to countries struggling with the outbreak, including Italy and Spain
- Ramped up testing and contact tracing to identify and contain outbreaks
- Lifted some restrictions in late April, but with caution and continued monitoring of the situation
France:
- Implemented strict lockdown measures in mid-March, requiring people to stay home except for essential activities
- Extended the lockdown multiple times, with gradual lifting of restrictions starting in May
- Implemented a phased approach to reopening businesses and public spaces
- Required masks to be worn in public transportation and enclosed areas
- Continued large-scale testing and contact tracing
2. Why is France doing something about Hungary’s anti- LGBTQI+ law?
France, being a country that places a high value on human rights, is taking a stand against Hungary’s anti-LGBTQI+ law. This law has caused a great deal of controversy within Hungary and raised concerns internationally about the country’s commitment to values of equality and nondiscrimination. France is just one of several countries that have voiced their opposition to the law and taken steps to push back against it.
One of the main reasons why France is concerned about Hungary’s anti-LGBTQI+ law is that it runs counter to the principles of the European Union, of which both countries are members. The EU is founded on the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights, and has made significant strides in promoting and protecting LGBTQI+ rights across the continent. In taking action against Hungary’s law, France is sending a message that it takes these values seriously and will not tolerate any attempts to undermine them.
- France is a leader in LGBTQI+ rights – France has a strong track record when it comes to LGBTQI+ rights, having legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 and consistently advocating for the rights of queer communities both domestically and internationally.
- Hungary’s law is discriminatory – The law restricts discussions of LGBTQI+ issues in schools and other public settings, effectively silencing the voices of queer individuals and perpetuating harmful stereotypes and myths.
- France is standing up for its values – By taking action against Hungary’s law, France is emphasizing its commitment to human rights and its determination to hold other EU countries accountable when they fail to uphold those values.
3. How do Germany, France feel about Hungary’s proposed bill?
Germany:
- Germany has expressed its disappointment for Hungary’s recent decision to pass a bill that bans the dissemination of content in schools that promotes homosexuality and transgender issues, implying that it violates LGBTQ+ rights.
- The German ambassador in Hungary has raised concerns over the bill stating that it contradicts the EU’s legal principles, which embrace differences and also respect human rights including minority rights.
- The German foreign minister has called for a consensus amongst the EU member states to support the homosexuals and transgender community who are affected by Hungary’s proposed bill.
France:
- France has also openly criticized Hungary’s new bill and urged for scrutiny before it becomes law.
- The French minister called for immediate action to safeguard human rights and personal dignity, adding that it would be in line with the EU’s fundamental values and principles.
- France also regards Hungary’s bill as a direct offense to the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community over the years, reminding that no discrimination should be accepted, and everyone should be respected regardless of their individual sexual or gender identity.
4. What does the France-Germany lawsuit against Hungary’s proposed law mean for LGBTQI+ people in Europe?
Background:
Recently, Hungary proposed a new law that would prohibit the portrayal of homosexuality or transgender issues to minors. This law, if passed, would have significant implications for the LGBTQI+ community in Hungary and potentially beyond. Both France and Germany have launched lawsuits against Hungary over this proposed law, claiming that it is a violation of European Union norms and values.
What it means for the LGBTQI+ community in Europe:
- The lawsuit serves as an important reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQI+ rights in Europe, and the need to remain vigilant against discrimination, violence, and oppression.
- If the law were to pass, LGBTQI+ individuals in Hungary might find it even more challenging to come out, access healthcare, and live authentically without fear of persecution.
- More broadly, the lawsuit highlights the growing divide between EU member states that support LGBTQI+rights and those that seek to curtail them.
- The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for future legal challenges against anti-LGBTQI+ legislation in Europe.
- Ultimately, the lawsuit underscores the importance of standing up for the rights of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and working towards a more inclusive and accepting society for all.
On March 16, 2018, Germany, France and Italy announced a lawsuit against Hungary for their “anti-LGBTQI+” law. Hungaryikesőtábor, or Hungarian People’s Party, has been in power since 2010 and has continued to push for a tightened policy on LGBTQI+ individuals. This policy has included restrictions on gay unions, adoption, and employment. The lawsuit is part of a larger campaign against Hungary’s laws, which are seen as suppressing LGBTQI+ individuals.