Calls for EU Commission Presence at Budapest Pride Intensify
Sixty MEPs urge visible participation amid concerns over Hungary's LGBTQ rights challenges.
A coalition of 60 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has formally requested that the European Commission prominently participate in next month's Budapest Pride event, escalating ongoing criticisms regarding the Commission's perceived inaction in response to Hungary's recent legislative measures impacting LGBTQ rights.
In a letter distributed among five distinct political groups, MEPs expressed their profound disappointment over reports that the Commission's President, Ursula von der Leyen, had advised her commissioners against attending Budapest Pride.
This guidance, which was unveiled in a recent Euractiv report, has prompted a unified response from lawmakers urging a reconsideration of the Commission’s stance.
The letter characterizes the Commission's actions as a failure to uphold its responsibilities, describing it as a demonstration of “weakness and a lack of solidarity” with the LGBTQ community across Europe.
MEPs conveyed the importance of visible EU support at such events, stating, "Now more than ever ...
all those who believe in freedom and dignity for all need to see that the European Union is truly their ally."
Concerns have arisen that the Commission may be attempting to avoid confrontation with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, particularly in light of a new law passed by the Hungarian parliament in March, which permits authorities to ban Pride marches and monitor participants.
MEPs highlighted that the Commission's hesitance to support peaceful demonstrations for equality signals a failure to act in solidarity with marginalized communities.
The pressure on the Commission is compounded by additional appeals from various stakeholders.
Valérie Hayer, the President of the liberal Renew Europe group, has also urged the Commission to consider provisional legal measures to ensure the Pride march can proceed without obstruction.
Furthermore, on Monday, a collective statement from 17 EU member states condemned Hungary's actions against the LGBTQ community, showcasing a broader regional dissent against Hungary's domestic policies.
As of now, the European Commission has not confirmed whether its commissioners will attend the event scheduled for late June.
Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath has indicated he does not foresee attending Budapest Pride but noted that the Commission is not dismissing the legal measures proposed by MEPs and other advocates for LGBTQ rights.
The unfolding events underscore the complexities of EU engagement with member states that enact controversial legislation impacting human rights and freedoms.
In a letter distributed among five distinct political groups, MEPs expressed their profound disappointment over reports that the Commission's President, Ursula von der Leyen, had advised her commissioners against attending Budapest Pride.
This guidance, which was unveiled in a recent Euractiv report, has prompted a unified response from lawmakers urging a reconsideration of the Commission’s stance.
The letter characterizes the Commission's actions as a failure to uphold its responsibilities, describing it as a demonstration of “weakness and a lack of solidarity” with the LGBTQ community across Europe.
MEPs conveyed the importance of visible EU support at such events, stating, "Now more than ever ...
all those who believe in freedom and dignity for all need to see that the European Union is truly their ally."
Concerns have arisen that the Commission may be attempting to avoid confrontation with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, particularly in light of a new law passed by the Hungarian parliament in March, which permits authorities to ban Pride marches and monitor participants.
MEPs highlighted that the Commission's hesitance to support peaceful demonstrations for equality signals a failure to act in solidarity with marginalized communities.
The pressure on the Commission is compounded by additional appeals from various stakeholders.
Valérie Hayer, the President of the liberal Renew Europe group, has also urged the Commission to consider provisional legal measures to ensure the Pride march can proceed without obstruction.
Furthermore, on Monday, a collective statement from 17 EU member states condemned Hungary's actions against the LGBTQ community, showcasing a broader regional dissent against Hungary's domestic policies.
As of now, the European Commission has not confirmed whether its commissioners will attend the event scheduled for late June.
Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath has indicated he does not foresee attending Budapest Pride but noted that the Commission is not dismissing the legal measures proposed by MEPs and other advocates for LGBTQ rights.
The unfolding events underscore the complexities of EU engagement with member states that enact controversial legislation impacting human rights and freedoms.
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