In Hungary, Novák Előd, a representative of the far-right Mi Hazánk Movement, has submitted a bill to the Parliament that seeks to prohibit the display of rainbow flags on public buildings. This legislative proposal has been presented in the context of escalating political tension surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
Előd's justification for the bill revolves around the assertion that displaying the LGBTQ+ movement's flag on prominent state properties could "cause outrage against the local public will.” If that makes sense to anyone.
He has made claims that the presence of the rainbow flag, particularly when displayed alongside the Hungarian national flag, serves to "insultingly and derogatorily desecrate" the latter, which he described as a national symbol protected by law. His sentiments underscore a broader societal divide, suggesting that the rainbow flag would offend "the convictions and feelings of the majority of citizens."
The proposal comes shortly after the rainbow flag was ceremonially raised at the Óbuda City Hall, an act that Member of Parliament Szabó Tímea remarked symbolised "freedom." This juxtaposition highlights the ongoing debate in Hungary regarding LGBTQ+ representation and rights, which has seen various attempts to restrict such displays.
In the National Assembly, Deputy Minister Répássy Róbert responded to Előd’s bill, suggesting that a separate law could potentially be formulated to address the issue rather than amending the Fundamental Law directly. This response indicates a recognition of the political sensitivity surrounding the topic and reflects the complexities of navigating legislative processes in a contentious environment.
Mi Hazánk's efforts to embed a ban on rainbow flags into the Fundamental Law have faced previous challenges, as this is not the first instance of such legislation being proposed. Notably, Előd has a history of engaging in actions against LGBTQ+ symbols, having gained notoriety in 2020 when he removed a rainbow flag from the Budapest City Hall and reportedly fled the scene upon confrontation.
On a broader scale, the political landscape regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary has recently been characterised by a series of contentious measures. For instance, on March 18, the National Assembly voted to limit the freedom of assembly associated with Pride events, which led to a significant outcry, including protests in the capital. These developments suggest a growing concern among LGBTQ+ activists and their supporters about the erosion of rights and freedoms related to sexual orientation and gender identity in Hungary.
Source: Noah Wire Services