Independent: Orbán quashes transgender rights in Hungary, rest of Europe is next
A bill has just passed making it impossible for people to legally change their gender in Hungary. Independent’s writer and an active supporter of LGBTQ rights, Jane Fae, expressed her opinion on the matter in a recent article. She also sheds light on a bigger picture of anti-LGBTQ discrimination across Eastern Europe.
In Hungary, people could legally change their gender on their official documents until Orbán’s newest “pet project,” which was about eliminating transgender rights altogether.
A bill was passed on Tuesday, stating that from now on, sex/gender is unalterable in Hungary.
Independent journalist Jane Fae is a writer and feminist, who is particularly interested in “the rights of individuals to express their own sexuality without censure by the state.” She is a regular contributor to national and LGBTQ press.
Jane Fae writes:
“Viktor Orban rounded off his acquisition of dictatorial powers by pushing his pet project through parliament … those who have already transitioned may find their status challenged or overturned … The prospect is horrific. Not just for the health impact on those transitioned, transitioning, or questioning. Horrific too for the way in which the floodgates have opened on violent reprisals against anyone who is or is suspected of being trans.”
She also sheds light on a bigger picture of anti-LGBTQ discrimination across Europe. She mentions studies indicating that anti-LGBT prejudice and discrimination is increasing in Eastern Europe, not only in Hungary but also in Poland, Slovakia, Serbia, and Turkey. She also criticises the anti-LGBTQ attitude of world leaders like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
Fae writes that Orbán’s move could be fined, and there is talk of excluding him from key EU bodies as well. There have been similar cases before.
The Russian government was fined for anti-LGBT discrimination, and the state of North Carolina was forced to abandon similar anti-trans discrimination after international condemnation and costly business boycotts.
Research indicates that despite our world leaders’ standpoints, most people are accepting of gay and trans identities. If you are one of them, Fae suggests a couple of ways to fight for LGBTQ rights, including supporting organisations like Amnesty, writing to MEP, and lobbying MPs.
Source: www.independent.co.uk