The Hungarian government has announced that the provisions of its controversial new law against homosexuality will apply around churches and schools.

The “Law against Pedophilia” was passed in June and was originally intended to toughen penalties for child abuse.

But amendments have also been added to prohibit the “promotion of homosexuality” among those under the age of 18.

The government decree fixing the modalities of application of the law regulates "the exhibition or the representation" of products which "express homosexuality" or represent a "deviation of the identity corresponding to the sex of birth".

A law described as "shame" by the head of the European Commission

The sale of such products will be banned within 200 meters of churches, as well as schools and child welfare institutions, the government said on Friday.

When these products become available, they should be sold in sealed packages.

The law has created new tension between Hungary and the European Union.

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called it "shame" and the Commission launched an infringement procedure against Hungary, arguing that the measure violates EU rules on freedom of movement. expression, free trade and the provision of services. This law is seen as part of Nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's plan to transform Hungary into a so-called “illiberal” country, based on conservative Christian values.

The Hungarian section of Amnesty International reacted to the latest announcement by assuring that the law "will fail sooner or later".

"In the meantime, it is the responsibility of all of us not to give in to the government's ignoble incitement to hatred," the NGO said on Facebook on Saturday.

Some analysts believe President Orban's offensive against the LGBT + community is aimed at consolidating his conservative voter base in preparation for next year's election.

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  • Homophobia

  • World

  • Lgbt

  • Homosexuality

  • Viktor Orban

  • Hungary