The European Commission Files Lawsuits Against Hungary for Media, Human Rights Violations

In two separate filings, the European Commission will sue Hungary over an anti-LGBTQ law and its refusal to renew broadcaster Klubradio’s license because of its critical stance of the government. Klubradio often hosts guests that criticize government policies. It was forced off air more than a year ago and now broadcasts online only. The EU contends this violates telecoms rules.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government has defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman in Hungary’s constitution. Same-gender marriage is not recognized, and only heterosexual couples can legally adopt children.

The anti-LGBTQ case is filed in response to a Hungarian law enacted last year that bans the use of materials seen as promoting homosexuality and transgender topics in schools. The law is touted as protecting children by the government of Orban, who presents himself as a proponent of traditional, Catholic family values. The law has been criticized by human rights groups and international watchdogs as discriminating against LGBTQ people and labeled a “disgrace” by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Prior to the law’s passage, more than 5,000 LGBTQ, intersex, and human rights activists and supporters angered by the proposed legislation demonstrated in front of the Parliament in Budapest.

These two lawsuits accelerate the increasing vitriol between Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Orban and the liberal core of the EU over democratic standards and human rights.

“The European Commission today decided to refer Hungary to the Court of Justice of the EU over a Hungarian law which discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity,” says the EU’s executive.

The EU executive has withheld billions in aid to Hungary over disputes related to LGBTQ rights and the independence of its media and courts.

“We address attacks to independent media via all the tools that we have, “says European Commissioner for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova. An EU press release affirms that “the protection of children is an absolute priority for the EU and its member states.”

The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights recognizes the inviolability of human dignity, the right to private and family life, and the right to non-discrimination.