France and Germany have joined 12 other EU member states in the ongoing infringement proceedings against Hungary over its controversial anti-LGBTQ law, according to a German government spokesperson on Thursday. The law in question, which was passed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government, prohibits the use of educational materials seen as promoting homosexuality or transgender identity in schools. The European Commission referred Hungary to the Court of Justice of the EU last year over the law, citing violations of the EU's internal market rules, fundamental rights of individuals and EU values.
The law has faced sharp criticism from human rights groups and international organizations, who argue that it is discriminatory against LGBTQ people. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has called the law a "disgrace." In response, Orban and his government have argued that the law is aimed at protecting children, promoting traditional family values and religious freedoms.
The infringement proceedings have been joined by 14 EU member states so far, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Spain, Malta, Austria, Sweden, Slovenia, Finland, and now France and Germany. The proceedings are part of a broader conflict between the EU and Hungary over the country's perceived infringement on EU values and laws. The EU has criticized Hungary in recent years for issues related to judicial independence, press freedom, and migration policies, among other concerns.