Many world leaders have reacted strongly against a Hungarian law that bans the depiction or promotion of homosexuality to those under 18. Late last year, another parliament in effect banned same-sex couples in the country from adopting children, by saying only married couples could adopt, with so exceptions. Previously Hungary ended legal recognition for trans and intersex people. Leaders around the world have condemned these actions. The Icelandic Ministry of Foreign affairs has condemned violations of human rights openly in the international community before, what does it plan to do in the case of Hungary? GayIceland caught up with Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarsson, The Minister for Foreign Affairs, to find out.
“I remain deeply concerned by the anti-LGBTI law recently adopted by the Hungarian Parliament. I have, along with my colleagues in Europe, raised these concerns,” says Guðlaugur Þór. “In my tweet on June 16th I clearly expressed this concern and solidarity with the LGBTI community in Hungary, as well as around the world.”
“I remain deeply concerned by the anti-LGBTI law recently adopted by the Hungarian Parliament. I have, along with my colleagues in Europe, raised these concerns.”
Guðlaugur Þór points out that on that same day Iceland’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg raised this issue to Hungary in our dialogue with the Council of Europe Commissioner on Human Rights. “We reiterated this viewpoint to Hungary in discussions at the Council this past Wednesday where we stated that this legislation goes against ECRIs general principles and key standards on LGBTI issues according to which authorities should take appropriate legislative measures with the aim of sending a clear message that intolerance against LGBTI persons is not acceptable,” he says.
“Such measures should enshrine in law the equality and dignity of LGBTI persons in all areas of life – not limit human rights or stigmatize members of society. Such measures only reinforce prejudice against LGBTI persons and are incompatible with the values of a democratic society.
We reiterated our solidarity with LGBTI persons in Hungary and elsewhere and urged Hungary to instead combat prejudices and discrimination and to work for the full acceptance of all people, no matter who they are or who they love.”
For the past years many world leaders have voiced their concerns that human rights of the LGBTQAI plus community is under threat in certain parts of Eastern Europe. The government of the Czech republic has, for example, voiced similar opinions as the government of Hungary, with the president there recently describing trans people as disgusting. What does the minister think of that? Does the ministry plan to raise its objections against the words of the president? How does the Icelandic government intend to act / voice its concerns on those matters in general?
“I have been an active advocate for the respect of the human rights of LGBTI+ individuals in Europe and across the world. This was for example a priority during Iceland´s membership of the Human Rights Council and we have maintained our active stand on the issue,” Guðlaugur Þór replies.
He goes on to point out that as it stands, Iceland is the only country that since 2019 raised LGBTI+ rights to every single country in the universal periodic review, a mechanism of the Human Rights Council where all countries of the world have their human rights record reviewed. “We raise issues ranging from decriminalization to marriage equality, hate speech and violence to intersex rights.”
“The Equal Rights Coalition will be launching a five-year strategy and action plan on 6 July, with the aim of increasing social acceptance for LGBTI+ people around the world.”
Guðlaugur Þór adds that in addition, Iceland has joined the core group of countries that work together at the United Nations in New York to raise LGBTI+ rights in various form and discussion. “This group has done important work to ensure these rights are actively considered at the UN despite mounting opposition.”
Iceland is also a founding member of a newly established friends group on the mandate of the United Nations Independent Expert on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. “At the ongoing human rights council session, three important joint statements will be delivered by the group, including on the rights of transgender women.”
Guðlaugur Þór says that Iceland is a member of the Equal Rights Coalition where he will be making a statement. The group consists of 42 member states and works closely with civil society, multilateral partners and UN Agencies to safeguard the fundamental human rights of LGBTI+ people. “The Equal Rights Coalition will be launching a five-year strategy and action plan on 6 July, with the aim of increasing social acceptance for LGBTI+ people around the world and eliminate violence and discrimination.”
Deeply concerned by anti-LGBTI law adopted by Hungarian Parliament yesterday.
We stand with #LGBTI persons – in #Hungary and all around the 🌏 – because #LoveisLove and #LoveIsAHumanRight
— Guðlaugur Þór (@GudlaugurThor) June 16, 2021
Iceland also contributes to the Global Equality Fund, according to Guðlaugur Þór, which provides emergency assistance to organisations under threat or attack, small grants for grassroot civil society organisations, and human rights programming grants to meet the needs of LGBTI+ communities with long-term, targeted support.
“Iceland applies a human rights based approach in its development cooperation, and aims to contribute directly to the advancement of equal rights for LGBTI+ people.
Moreover, the rights of the most marginalized and vulnerable populations are at the core of Iceland’s bilateral development cooperation strategy, this includes the rights of LGBTI+ people,” says Guðlaugur Þór.
“In short, we have raised our voice consistently against violence and discrimination, and for the rights of LGBTI individuals. We do so individually to all countries and collectively with our likeminded. We will continue do so and explore new ways to protect the human rights of LGBTI+ individuals.”
See also: Iceland should condemn Hungary’s new anti-LGBTQAI law