Declaration of Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Latvia, Italy, Greece, Austria and Cyprus
We express our grave concern about the adoption by the Hungarian Parliament of amendments which discriminate against LGBTIQ persons and violate the right to freedom of expression under the pretext of protecting children.
These amendments to a number of Hungarian laws (Child Protection Act, Act on Business Advertising Activity, Media Act, Family Protection Act and Public Education Act) introduce a prohibition of the "portrayal and the promotion of gender identity different from sex at birth, the change of sex and homosexuality" for persons under 18.
It represents a flagrant form of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and hence deserves to be condemned. Inclusion, human dignity and equality are core values of our European Union, and we cannot compromise on these principles.
These amendments also violate the freedom of expression, by limiting the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference by public authority, as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Stigmatizing LGBTIQ persons constitute a clear breach of their fundamental right to dignity, as provided for in the EU Charter and international law.
Beyond the discussions taking place at the General Affairs Council, we urge the European Commission as Guardian of the Treaties to use all the tools at its disposal to ensure full respect for EU law, including by referring the matter to the ECJ.
We stand to protect the rights of all EU citizens.