The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has imposed a controversial ban preventing children under the age of 18 from visiting the World Press Photo exhibition at the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest. The ban is rooted in the presence of LGBTQ content within some of the exhibited photos.
Challenging LGBTQ Rights in Hungary
Orbán’s far-right government has consistently taken measures to curtail LGBTQ rights in Hungary, with a significant move being the passing of a law in July 2021 that restricts the promotion of homosexuality and sex-reassignment surgery to minors. This law has stirred international criticism and led to ongoing tensions within Hungary.
Crackdown on LGBTQ Literature
Further intensifying their stance, Hungary’s second-largest bookstore chain faced fines for violating the 2021 law, which restricts minors’ access to books, media content, and advertisements that depict or promote LGBTQ themes. Notably, the bookstore was penalized for selling copies of Alice Oseman’s LGBTQ graphic novel series “Heartstopper,” which gained global attention due to the popular Netflix adaptation.
Impact on Freedom of Expression
The Háttér Society, a Hungarian LGBTQ rights organization, has raised concerns about the law’s implications. According to their interpretation, even a parent buying a young adult novel featuring an LGBTQ character could potentially violate the law.
Controversy Surrounding the Museum Ban
Recently, the Hungarian National Museum stopped selling tickets to the World Press Photo exhibition for individuals under 18. This decision came following an inquiry initiated by the far-right Our Homeland party, which claimed that the exhibition violated child protection laws. The party’s statement suggested that the ban was introduced based on their initiative.
The Hungarian National Museum and the Our Homeland party have yet to respond to requests for comment on this matter.
In Hungary, the clash between conservative values and LGBTQ rights continues to generate debate and international scrutiny, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in the country.
