The Tánaiste says he is concerned about Hungary’s decision to ban pride marches. The Hungarian parliament passed legislation on Tuesday tightening up existing so-called child protection laws.
“We voted to ban gatherings that violate” the law, said Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán.
“In Hungary, a child’s right to healthy physical, mental, intellectual, and moral development comes first. We won’t let woke ideology endanger our kids.”
Orbán’s political party has a huge majority in parliament and was able to easily pass the law within 24 hours.
The law has horrified human rights campaigners.
Tánaiste Simon Harris has also spoken out, calling it a “regressive” measure.
32 members of the European Parliament have written to the European Commission demanding “decisive action” be taken against Hungary.
“This not only constitutes a further attack on the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people in Hungary, but on the freedom of peaceful assembly and the freedom of expression”, said the cross-party group this morning.
That’s a position shared by the Tánaiste.
“I am alarmed that the Hungarian Parliament has passed legislation which further restricts the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Hungary”, said Simon Harris in a statement.
“The EU is founded on fundamental values which all Member States are obligated to uphold and defend. This development is the latest in a series of measures by the Hungarian Government which targets civil society space, independent media and minorities, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Ireland will continue to stand up for those targeted by such regressive measures. We will also continue to strongly support the LGBTQ+ community in Hungary, and will vocally defend their rights, as guaranteed under EU Law. We urge the Hungarian Government to cease targeting the LGBTQ+ community in Hungary and urge them to abide by their obligations under EU Law.”