Hungarian Bookstore: Hungary’s second-largest bookstore, Lira, has vowed to take legal action after being slapped with a significant fine by the government. The fine was imposed due to Lira’s sale of an LGBT-themed British webcomic and graphic novel, “Heartstopper,” aimed at teenagers, without adhering to the requirement of wrapping the books in plastic foil. The Budapest government office issued a penalty of 12 million forints ($36,000) against Lira, asserting that the bookstore violated the law by offering the books to minors without the mandated protective covering.
“Heartstopper” has gained immense popularity among readers, and its success prompted a Netflix adaptation into a romantic comedy-drama. The series depicts the tender love story between two gay teens, resonating with diverse audiences.
Krisztian Nyary, Lira’s creative director and an esteemed author himself, expressed his discontent with the imposed fine, considering it disproportionate. He criticized the vagueness of the law and asserted that Lira would respond legally to challenge the penalty. Nyary stated, “As this is a resolution about a fine it cannot be appealed, it can only be attacked in what way, our lawyers will assess. We will use all legal means at our disposal.”
Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has been a vocal proponent of a Christian-conservative agenda. In 2021, his government passed a law prohibiting the “display and promotion of homosexuality” to individuals under 18 years old. Despite facing strong opposition from human rights groups and the European Union, the law appealed to Orban’s conservative voter base, contributing to his re-election in 2022 for a fourth term.
However, the European Commission has taken issue with Hungary’s legislation and has referred the matter to the EU Court of Justice. The Commission argues that the law discriminates against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
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Nyary highlighted the ambiguity of the law, pointing out that some publishers have voluntarily wrapped their books in an attempt to comply. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether placing affected books on a shelf designated for adult literature would meet the requirements. Additionally, there is confusion about whether LGBT-themed books meant for adult audiences must also be wrapped or if they can be sold without additional packaging. Nyary expressed frustration, saying, “This is all not clear.”
This is not the first instance of a Hungarian government office fining a bookstore for violating the law. The timing of this recent fine is notable, coinciding with an upcoming Pride march in Budapest, intensifying the ongoing debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
In a joint statement, the embassies of the United States, Germany, and 36 other countries urged the Hungarian government to protect the rights of LGBT people and repeal discriminatory laws. It is important to note that Hungary does not recognize same-sex marriages, and only heterosexual couples are legally allowed to adopt children.
The situation surrounding Lira’s fine reflects the broader struggle for LGBTQ+ acceptance and inclusivity in Hungary. The bookstore’s decision to challenge the penalty demonstrates a commitment to defending freedom of expression and ensuring access to diverse literature for all readers. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome will have implications not only for Lira but for the wider LGBTQ+ community and their advocates in Hungary and beyond
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