Hungary's government has taken another step in its crackdown on LGBTQ rights by fining a retailer for displaying a book considered to "portray homosexuality". The retailer, Lira Kiskereskedelmi Kft., was hit with a fine of 12 million forint ($36,000) for not packaging the books from the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman in special foil packaging, as required by law. The government justified its actions by stating that it was acting in the interest of "protecting children."
The move comes just days before Hungary's Pride march and is seen as a further escalation of the government's efforts to limit access to LGBTQ content among minors. Prime Minister Viktor Orban's administration has implemented several policies in recent years aimed at curbing LGBTQ rights, including banning same-sex couples from adopting, restricting access to LGBTQ educational materials, and prohibiting NGOs from conducting sex education in schools. These actions have drawn criticism from both domestic and international human rights groups.
The European Commission has also taken legal action against Hungary for its discriminatory laws against LGBTQ minorities. In 2021, the Commission initiated a lawsuit before the European Court of Justice, with a majority of member states supporting the Commission's position. Additionally, the European Union has withheld over $30 billion in funding from Hungary due to concerns over the rule of law and corruption.
The book that sparked the recent fine, titled Heartstopper, has gained popularity for its depiction of LGBTQ characters and themes. It has even been adapted into a Netflix series, which is described as an "uplifting LGBTQ+ drama about teen friendship and young romance" on the streaming platform's website.
The retailer, Lira Kiskereskedelmi Kft., has expressed its intention to challenge the fine using all available legal remedies. This incident highlights the ongoing battle for LGBTQ rights in Hungary and the broader struggle for acceptance and equality for LGBTQ individuals across Europe.