EU Court Rules Hungary's LGBTQ Law Violates Core Values

The European Court of Justice ruled on Tuesday that Hungary's 2021 law restricting access to LGBTQ content violates core European Union principles, marking the first time the bloc's top court has found a member state in breach of its foundational values.

The decision, issued in Brussels, addresses amendments to Hungary's Child Protection Law enacted under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The legislation, which prohibits the portrayal or promotion of homosexuality and gender reassignment to individuals under 18, was challenged by the European Commission, 16 EU member states and the European Parliament. The case, described as the largest human rights action in EU history, determined that the law stigmatizes and marginalizes gay, transgender and other non-heterosexual people by linking them to pedophilia in its title and application.

The court found multiple infringements, including Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, which enshrines values such as human dignity, equality and respect for minorities. It also violated the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights by interfering with protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, respect for private and family life,...