Romania is stepping up its game against hate, and for once, the LGBTQ community might actually feel seen. The country’s Constitutional Court just gave a big ol’ nope to President Nicusor Dan’s attempt to block a new law cracking down on antisemitism, racism, and other forms of hate speech—especially the kind that festers online.
This legislation, passed in June, isn’t playing around. It slaps prison time on anyone promoting antisemitism or xenophobia on social media. It also increases penalties for people involved with racist organizations and bans any glorification of fascist figures. The law arrived just as Romania’s political landscape tilted sharply to the far-right following a divisive election.
President Dan tried to argue that the law was too vague—especially the parts about what counts as “fascist”—but the court didn’t buy it. In a unanimous ruling, they said his concerns didn’t hold water. It’s a major win for minority groups who’ve long been punching bags in Romanian politics.
Hate Speech and the Rise of the Far-Right
A recent report from the Elie Wiesel National Institute highlighted a sharp spike in hate speech during Romania’s election season. It wasn’t just antisemitic rhetoric on the rise—Roma, Hungarian, and LGBTQ communities were also under fire. Yet, the report also noted that, unlike in the past, authorities are finally starting to enforce hate speech laws more seriously.
This legal victory comes on the heels of a chaotic few months in Romanian politics. After a botched presidential election allegedly marred by Russian interference (which Moscow denies, of course), far-right candidate Calin Georgescu was banned from running again and is now facing trial for promoting Romania’s Nazi-aligned wartime leaders. He’s denied any wrongdoing, but the message is clear: the days of glorifying fascists are numbered—at least legally.
What It Means for LGBTQ Romanians
While the bill isn’t LGBTQ-specific, the implications are crystal clear. Any crackdown on hate speech in Romania inevitably affects the queer community, which has long been targeted by bigots emboldened by far-right rhetoric. The new law offers potential legal recourse for victims of anti-LGBTQ abuse, especially in online spaces where harassment runs rampant.
It’s not a rainbow revolution, but it’s a legal foothold—and in a country where progress often moves at glacial speed, this is something worth celebrating. For LGBTQ Romanians, it could mean fewer public attacks, fewer online threats, and a chance to fight back with the law on their side.
In a region where queer rights are too often brushed aside, Romania just made a surprisingly progressive move. Whether this momentum carries forward or fizzles out remains to be seen. But for now, the court has spoken—and hate just got a little less welcome.