Hungary’s so-called “child protection law” has sparked controversy in the European Union, with critics arguing it discriminates against the LGBTQ+ community and restricts minors’ access to information about sex and identity. The law, which prohibits books, films, and cultural products that promote or portray non-conforming identities, was approved by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government two years ago.
The law has already led to the removal of books with LGBTQ references from bookstores and limits sex education in schools to only government-approved instructors. Critics claim the law is part of a broader anti-LGBTQ+ agenda built by Orbán’s Fidesz Party, which has also banned same-sex couples from adopting children and eliminated legal recognition of transgender people.
Artist Gideon Horváth, whose work was censored due to its queer themes, said he had no choice but to accept the censorship because it would have prevented him from exhibiting his art. “Censorship works in such a way that it is almost never a high authority that comes and says you can’t do that,” he explained.
The European Commission has launched an infringement procedure against Hungary, citing violations of EU principles on human dignity, fundamental rights, and solidarity. The commission’s expert, Eszter Polgári, said the law violates children’s right to access objective information about sex and identity, particularly in schools.
The final ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union is expected months away, but the case has already sparked tension between Hungary and its EU partners. The EU commission has recommended that Hungary’s EU funds remain frozen due to rule of law violations.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/02/26/top-court-ruling-may-bar-bosnian-serb-leader-milorad-dodik-from-politics