The Socialists and Democrats are committed in the defence of freedom, equality and dignity and for this reason they will travel to Budapest next week in support of the LGBTQ+ community. During a plenary debate on the freedom of assembly in Hungary, the S&D leader, Iratxe García, urged the European Commission to act against the continuous breaches of EU law carried out by the Orbán government and in defence of Hungarians rights. 

Iratxe García said: 

“The latest red line crossed by the Orbán government is not an isolated incident or an eccentricity: it is a European shame. The ban on the LGBTQ+ Pride March is the umpteenth manifestation of an authoritarian regime that has turned power into an instrument of fear, censorship, and hatred. 

“Spying with facial recognition on those who defend human rights, fining those who exercise their freedom of assembly, manipulating the idea of ​​‘protecting children’ to impose an ideology of intolerance; it’s called repression.

“How many more red lines must be crossed before the Commission acts in defence of all Europeans and not as a hostage to an autocrat? How can the Commission claim to defend fundamental rights while withdrawing the Equal Treatment Directive?

“We need political coherence and I urge the European Commission to act and denounce the recent withdrawal of the Equal Treatment Directive. We need the Commission to request interim measures from the Court of Justice to suspend the scandalous Child Protection Act and apply Article 7 to protect European funds from Orbán’s abuses. 

“Defending the rights of the LGBTQI+ community is defending freedom, equality, and human dignity. And, to our friends in Hungary, we say: You are not alone. We see you. We hear you. On 28 June, we will march with you in Budapest. Side by side. Proud and loud.

“We hope the European Commission will join us in Budapest on 28 June, it’s where the citizens need us.”