Czechia joins EU allies in condemning Hungary’s latest anti-LGBTQ+ laws

With Pride month just days away, Czechia has joined 15 other EU member states in expressing “deep concern” over Hungary’s recent laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The joint statement reflects growing alarm in Prague and other capitals about measures seen as violations of core EU values.

The announcement comes as EU ministers for European affairs meet in Brussels, where Hungary faces a formal hearing to explain its latest legislation. Czechia has thrown its support behind calls for greater transparency and accountability, aligning with countries demanding stronger EU oversight.

In March, Hungary’s parliament passed a law banning the annual Budapest Pride march and authorized the use of facial recognition cameras to identify participants. The following month, constitutional amendments were approved, recognizing only two genders—male and female.

The statement from Czechia and 15 other countries highlighted concerns over the impact of these laws on freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and privacy. Signatories include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, and France.

Czech officials argue that Hungary’s measures contradict the European Union’s founding principles. Prague has increasingly positioned itself alongside EU capitals critical of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government, which has faced accusations of democratic backsliding and attacks on minority rights. Orbán, in office since 2010, also maintains close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Czech-backed statement called on Hungary to reconsider these laws to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens. They also urged the European Commission to act swiftly if Hungary fails to comply, emphasizing the availability of enforcement tools.

The countries also urged the European Commission to take action if Hungary does not comply, stating: “We share the concerns expressed by the European Commission and call on the Commission to swiftly make full use of the available toolbox.”

Czechia has recently passed laws that give LGBTQ+ people more rights. On Jan. 1 this year, the government officially recognized same-sex partnerships (giving couples extra rights like owning property jointly), though it stopped short of allowing same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples can now adopt children in Czechia, too, but the process is much more complicated than for heterosexual couples.