Its members participated in a strong discussion on the ban on the Budapest Pride event by his government in Hungary.
MEPs argued that this move was violating freedom of expression and invited it to take action.
Iratxes Garcia, head of the group of socialists and democrats in the European Parliament, condemned the move and called on the EU to react with vigor, according to Euronews.
“It’s not just an individual event, it’s not even a country’s particularity, it’s a complete shame for Europe. The ban on the Pride parade is not just a cowardly attack on a part of its people. It is another manifestation of an authoritarian regime that has turned its power into an instrument of fear, censorship and hate, “Garcia said.
Other speakers from leftist and liberal groups have called for the imposition of EU sanctions on Hungary, such as the suspension of the country’s voting rights, in accordance with the procedure under Article 7.
Domestic and European law
In March, the Hungarian parliament approved a bill that essentially prohibited the parade of pride of homosexuals.
According to the legislation, this event could violate the law on the protection of children previously adopted in Hungary.
The law on the protection of children prohibits any depiction of homosexual relationships to minors.
The European Commission considers that this is a violation of Community law and referred the case to the European Court of Justice.
The far -right of the European Parliament on the side of Orban
Conservatives and far -right MEPs in the European Parliament have defended Victor Orban’s decision to ban pride events, saying that the EU should not intervene in Hungary’s internal affairs.
Karga Gal, from the ruling Fidz of Hungary party, said Brussels should respect the laws of Hungary.
“In Hungary, everyone can live and gather freely. But for us, the interest of children and their physical and mental development are a priority. And everyone has to respect that, “Gal said.
The pride parade of Budapest is scheduled for June 28 in the center of Budapest.
According to the new law, participants will also be monitored by artificial intelligence cameras and fines imposed.
About 70 MEPs will travel to the pride parade of Budapest, but the European Commission will not send anyone.
Resistance to Budapest
In the meantime, the opposition city of Budapest is trying to save the parade using a legal gap.
Mayor Gergeli Karatsoni announced that the city is taking over the role of organizer and, in this case, no authorization is required by the police. Police disagree with this interpretation.
“There is still a legal battle for whether Pride can be legally or not. The latest development is that the mayor of Budapest came out and said he would organize Pride. Because no authorization is needed by the police, “said German MEP Daniel Freud.
EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said they are still investigating the law and ready to use all the means to protect European values in this matter.
