Letter to Viktor Orban On His Anti-LGBTI Public Discourse

To H.E. Viktor Orban –

To the Prime Minister of Hungary,

I am writing to you to express my deep concern over your statements on Radio Kossuth on October 4 in regards to the LGBTI-community.

Last week, Labrisz Lesbian Association published achildren’s storybook, which was greeted with positivity both from journalists, children’s story-writers, authors and the majority of the public. The book is titled “The land of Stories are for All” (Meseország Mindenkié). The storybook includes wonderful artwork and 17 bedtime stories from critically acclaimed and amateur writers. Out of these 17 stories, 2 include characters who are part of the LGBTI-community, the other 15 stories have heroes from other minorities, like Roma, poor, adopted, disabled, and jewish. The book also incorporates stories about accepting and empowering others, dealing with parents getting a divorce, understanding other people’s perspectives.

Dóra Dúró, deputy-leader of the far-right party “Our Nation Movement” (Mi Hazánk Mozgalom) shredded the book that, according to her, includes “homosexual propaganda”. It is extremely concerning to determine that you are supporting far-right book-shredding – something that reminds us of Europe’s most dark history. 

With this letter, I would like to remind you that there is no such thing as “homosexual propaganda”. Article 15 of the Fundamental Law of Hungary guarantees that everyone is equal before the law and that fundamental rights are provided to all Hungarians without discrimination. LGBTI-people are as much citizens of Hungary as any other citizen. 

Hungary is a proud and beautiful European nation. Throughout history, diversity has helped Hungary to flourish. As many of your supporters, LGBTI-citizens have the best interest of Hungary at heart.  

I am calling the Hungarian government to ensure and reaffirm its European and international human rights commitments. It goes without saying that a more just and equal society will benefit Hungary’s long-term social, economical and geopolitical position in the world.

Yours sincerely,

Rémy Bonny