A dark day for both Hungary and human rights in Europe

The Hungarian government parties, with two-thirds of the members of parliament behind them, have proposed banning Pride to protect children and young people from what they say is a dangerous ideology. In addition, it is proposed to use digital facial recognition equipment to monitor and expose those who violate the ban.

Fellow human beings are not ideology. Defining a minority as an ideology and warning against the ‘ideology’ as dangerous and socially destructive is dehumanizing one’s fellow human beings. It is an attitude and approach we refute and profoundly disagree with.

Attacking fundamental human rights
The legislative proposals in Hungary are not just an attack on freedom of expression. It is a deliberate attack on fundamental human rights and the view that all people have equal value regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or identity.

Creating a digital pink triangle
The fact that one also wants facial recognition under state control to reveal the people who belong to the minority cannot be seen as anything other than a digital pink triangle. If one allows a digital pink triangle, the door is opened to label also other minorities.

We demand strong measures against Hungary
The proposed laws go against our fundamental values and against what the EU was created to protect: Fundamental human rights and a safer society for all.

Therefore, the EU must initiate strong measures against Hungary. The proposed legislation must be challenged in the EU courts, financial assistance must be withheld, and Hungary must be deprived from its voting rights until fundamental human rights and safety for all are restored in the country.