Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
332. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing CJEU infringement proceedings against Hungary for its so called "anti-LGBTQ propaganda laws"; if he will consider adding the Irish Government's name to the case alongside Belgium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11617/23]
View answerThe promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTI+ persons, who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systematic discrimination in many countries, is a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland.
Globally, working with like-minded partners, Ireland’s mission network plays an active role in advocating for the rights of LGBTI+ persons, including promoting human rights and equality, highlighting discrimination and human rights violations including advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality where it exists and against its criminalisation where this is contemplated.
Ireland is therefore actively engaged with the ongoing issues faced by the LGBTI+ community in Hungary. Our embassy in Budapest is in frequent contact with Hungarian civil society on the issue of LGBTI+ rights. Recent engagement has included leading on the coordination of the annual Pride Statement by embassies in 2021, participation in the Budapest and Pécs Pride parades, organising two events with AI and Budapest Pride during LGBTI+ history month in 2020, financial support for the LGBTI+ related events and regular meetings with LBGTI+ groups.
Ireland was one of the 18 EU member states to sign a joint declaration expressing grave concerns over the Hungarian Parliament’s adoption of this bill discriminating against the LGBTI+ community when it was published in June 2021. In my role as Taoiseach at the time I made clear publicly my opinion that this law is contrary to the fundamental values of the European community. My predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney did likewise.
I am aware of the infringement proceedings being brought by the Commission in the Court of Justice published on 13 February and the matter has been raised in discussions with like-minded EU Member States. In coordination with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and others, officials from my Department are actively reviewing the case with a view to agreeing our approach in the coming weeks.
