Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel made a powerful statement in defense of LGBTQ rights during a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Speaking out against member state Hungary, which seeks to restrict discussions of homosexuality in schools and the media, Bettel called for greater acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ individuals across the European Union.
Addressing the parliament’s plenary session, Bettel spoke about the challenges facing LGBTQ people in Europe, particularly in countries where identifying publicly as gay could lead to imprisonment or even a life sentence. He expressed his concern about Hungary’s recently passed law that prohibits sharing content on homosexuality or gender transition in films, advertisements, and other media targeted at people under 18, and bans information on homosexuality in school sex education programs.
Bettel, who has been critical of Hungary for the past two years, believes that the Hungarian government is out of touch with the prevailing views in many other EU countries. He noted that the law “discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity,” a view shared by the European Commission and a number of member nations, who have challenged the measure in the EU’s Court of Justice.
In his speech, Bettel also spoke candidly about his own experiences as a gay man and the challenges he has faced in accepting himself. He emphasized that being gay is not a choice, and that efforts to restrict discussions of homosexuality only serve to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and prejudices.
“I am ashamed, Madam President, that some colleagues want to win votes at the expense of minorities. We’ve had that before in our history,” he said.
Bettel’s speech comes at a time when the fight for LGBTQ rights is gaining momentum across Europe and around the world. As more and more countries recognize the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of LGBTQ individuals, it is hoped that Hungary and other countries that seek to curtail such rights will recognize the harm that they are causing and take steps to address the issue.
In the meantime, Bettel’s words serve as a powerful reminder that the struggle for LGBTQ rights is far from over, and that it will take the continued efforts of activists, advocates, and allies to ensure that all individuals are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.