The European Commission on Friday decided to sue Hungary over an “anti-LGBT” law and its refusal to renew the license of Klubradio, a broadcaster critical of the government, in the latest clash over values that could harm the cohesion of the nation. European Union (EU).
The two cases add to a long list of worsening impasses between Hungary’s nationalist prime minister, Viktor Orban, and the EU’s liberal core over human rights and democratic standards.
“The European Commission decided today to refer Hungary to the EU Court of Justice for a law that discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity,” the bloc’s executive said.
A second action was also sent to the Luxembourg court over the country’s rejection of a request by broadcaster Klubradio for frequency usage.
“We address attacks on independent media through all the tools we have,” said European Commissioner for Values and Transparency, Vera Jourova.
Klubradio, whose guests often criticize government policies and who is now only broadcast online, was forced off the air more than a year ago.
Hungarian Justice Minister Judit Varga said the case did not harm freedom or plurality of the media, while the Commission’s case on LGBT law was “baseless”.
“EU membership does not affect Hungary’s right to make its own decisions on child protection and in line with its national identity,” she said.
This case relates to a law Hungary enacted last year that bans the use of materials seen as promoting homosexuality and gender change in schools.
Announced as a protector of children by the Orban government, which presents itself as a defender of traditional Catholic family values, the text was criticized by human rights groups and international watchdogs.
It was considered discriminatory against LGBTQIA+ people and labeled a “disgrace” by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The EU Executive withheld billions in aid to Hungary due to disputes related to LGBTQIA+ rights, as well as the independence of the press and courts.
Separately, on Friday, legal action was launched against Hungary for discriminatory fuel prices against vehicles with foreign plates.
Source: CNN Brasil
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