EU's Von Der Leyen Condemns Hungary LGBT Law

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has condemned recent legislation passed in Hungary restricting the sharing with minors of content portraying homosexuality.

The bill would make it illegal to disseminate material in schools relating to homosexuality or gender reassignment.

During a press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Von der Leyen said that she had instructed commissioners to write a letter to Hungary expressing legal concerns about the bill.

“This bill clearly discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and it goes against the fundamental values of the European Union … We will not compromise on these principles,” she said.

“I strongly believe in a European Union where you are free to love whom you want. And I believe in a European Union that embraces diversity … I will use all the powers of the commission to ensure that the rights of all EU citizens are guaranteed whoever you are and wherever you live.”

Hungary’s law was criticized by 13 EU member countries who said that it violated the EU’s values.

Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party said the condemnation by the group of EU countries was “completely unfounded.”

“There is no discrimination in Hungarian law, nor does the slightest restriction on freedom of expression appear in it,” a statement on the Fidesz website said. Credit: Alexander De Croo via Storyful