The European Commission has gained significant influence in its ongoing conflict with Budapest regarding fundamental rights. Tensions recently rose when Orbán’s government banned Pride events in March and authorized police to use biometric cameras to identify organizers and attendees.
Although advocate-general opinions are nonbinding, they often indicate the court’s likely final decision, which typically follows within months.
In July 2021, the European Commission initiated an infringement procedure following Hungary’s enactment of a law aiming to restrict children’s exposure to LGBTQ+ content on TV, in ads, books, sex education, and more. The law bans same-sex couples and transgender individuals from daytime TV and advertisements, while queer-themed books must be sealed and cannot be sold near schools and churches.
Budapest defended its actions by citing the EU’s audiovisual media regulations and minors’ protection provisions to justify limiting LGBTQ+ visibility on television.
“The Hungarian bill is a shame,” stated Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in 2021, promising to use “all the Commission’s powers to ensure the rights of all EU citizens are protected, regardless of who they are or where they live.”
In December 2022, the EU executive brought the case to court, supported by 15 member countries and the European Parliament.
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