Hungary's Incoming Government to Revise Anti-LGBTQ Laws Following EU Ruling
Hungary Faces EU Pressure to Amend LGBTQ Legislation
Background of the EU Court Ruling
BUDAPEST, May 12 (Reuters) - Hungary will need to revise legislation restricting access to LGBTQ content after the European Union's top court ruled they breached EU laws, justice minister nominee Marta Gorog said on Tuesday.
The European Court of Justice ruled in April that measures introduced by Hungary's outgoing government unlawfully curtailed access to LGBTQ content and contributed to the stigmatisation and marginalisation of gay and transgender people.
Impact on Hungary-EU Relations
The dispute has been one of several flashpoints between Budapest and Brussels over rule-of-law and human rights issues, contributing to the freezing of billions of euros in EU funds.
Political Changes and Commitments
New Leadership's Approach
Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who swept to power in an April 12 election ending Viktor Orban's 16-year rule, has pledged to repair ties with the EU and unlock the funds. However, Brussels has said Hungary must take concrete steps to address concerns over democratic standards and minority rights.
Statement from Justice Minister Nominee
"Hungary is a member of the European Union, which means that there are responsibilities on Hungary," Gorog told a parliamentary committee. "This means that regarding this court ruling the justice ministry needs to carry out a lawful correction."
She added that Hungarian legislation cannot exist in isolation and must reflect international and European legal standards, including common EU values.
Recent History of LGBTQ Rights in Hungary
LGBTQ rights were rolled back under Orban's government, which said the rules were needed to protect children. Last year, it banned Pride marches and allowed police to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees.
(Reporting by Anita Komuves; writing by Pawel Florkiewicz and Alan Charlish; Editing by Ros Russell)
