New restrictions on LGBT rights and education in Hungary are against the fundamental values of the European Union, according to the Taoiseach.

New restrictions on LGBT rights and education in Hungary are against the fundamental values of the European Union, according to the Taoiseach. pic.twitter.com/S7brMsundu

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) June 24, 2021

Ireland is one of 17 countries to have signed a letter defending LGBTQ rights in the face of the new Hungarian laws.

The legislation, passed earlier this month, bans schools from using educational material deemed to promote homosexuality or gender fluidity.

They also ban gay people from appearing in advertising or TV shows aimed at people under the age of 18 – which could remove any reference to homosexuality before the watershed.

Micheál Martin arrives at the EU Summit. Image: European Union

Speaking on arrival at the EU Leader’s Summit this afternoon, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the EU must assert its support for the LGBTI community.

“We will be discussing the issue of LGBTI rights, in Hungary in particular, and the decision of the Hungarian authorities in respect of that issue,” he said.

“We feel the Hungarian authorities are transgressing a fundamental value of the EU in terms of the measures it is adopting in relation to young people and to the LGBTI community within Hungary.

“So, we will be articulating very strongly our view on that this evening because we believe it is of fundamental importance and the EU needs to assert its position in relation to that and to support the LGBTI community and the principals of inclusivity and diversity.”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán arrives at the EU Summit. Image: European Union.

Despite the increasing pressure from EU leaders, the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said he was determined to the see laws enacted.

“The law is already announced, it's published, it's done,” he said on his arrival.

The letter, signed by 17 countries including Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and France earlier this week does not directly mention Hungary but includes warnings about “threats against fundamental rights and in particular the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.”

“We must continue fighting against discrimination towards the LGBTI community, reaffirming our defence of their fundamental rights,” it reads.

Pride

The issue came to the fore at Euro 2020 this week after governing body UEFA refused to grant the city of Munich permission to light up the Allianz Arena in Pride colours during Germany’s match against Hungary.

The European Parliament, Grand Place square and other landmarks in Brussels were adorned with LGBT flags or lit up in rainbow colours today to oppose the bill.