Brussels denounces before the CJEU a rule that goes against the values of the community bloc for discriminating against this group
The European executive this Friday set the tone for recent policies approved by Viktor Orbán’s government. Brussels announced that it will refer Hungary to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) over a law that discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The institution believes that this rule “violates the fundamental rights of people – in particular LGTBI people” and also “the values of the EU”.
The European infringement procedure was launched in July 2021, a month after the controversial rule was approved and Hungarian authorities refused to change it following the wake-up call from Brussels.
This law prohibits talking about sexual and gender diversity in the country’s schools, as it may promote homosexuality and transsexuality among minors. Any reference or symbolism related to the LGTBI collective is also limited in advertising campaigns and on television as they can be seen by children.
Budapest restricts this type of content in e-commerce services, the media and advertisements, in violation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. When the law came into force, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it “shameful” and promised to use “all legal powers” at its disposal to guarantee the rights of European citizens.
Also this Friday, Brussels reported that it will bring a second case against Hungary to the court in Strasbourg, after the Hungarian media regulator refused the license to the only opposition radio station in the country, Klubradio. The European Commission points out that Budapest’s reasons for rejecting the station’s request are “highly questionable” and questions whether the criteria “objectively, transparently, non-discriminatory and proportionate” have been followed.
These two proceedings have been added to the long list of lawsuits brought by the EU against the country’s authorities. In April, Brussels, together with the country, launched the mechanism that opens the door to blocking the arrival of European funds because of its doubts about respect for the rule of law, citing the violation of the rights of LGTBI people and the lack of judicial independence .
Something similar is happening with Poland, Brussels’ other uneasy partner and against whom it is facing a tough confrontation before its Constitutional Court, accusing it of undermining the primacy of EU law. The European Commission has announced that it will “take the next step” in the infringement procedure opened against Warsaw and take the case to the CJEU.
The European Parliament already pointed out in a resolution in October last year that the Polish Constitutional Court “does not have legal validity and independence” and stated that it has “become a tool to legalize the illegal activities of the authorities”. He also urged the European Council and the Commission to act urgently to increase pressure on Warsaw and force it to be rectified.
Source: La Verdad
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
