Hungary's foreign minister defends law limiting LGBT rights

Hungary’s foreign minister claims that a disinformation campaign is being used to rally international criticism of a recent law passed in Hungary that is widely seen as targeting LGBT people

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Hungary's foreign minister alleged Tuesday that a disinformation campaign was being used to rally international criticism of a recent law passed in Hungary that has been widely seen as targeting LGBT people. Speaking at a press conference following a General Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reacted to a question on reported plans by Benelux countries to release a joint statement condemning the new law. “A global fake news campaign is taking place concerning the law on the protection of children,” Szijjarto said, adding that “99% of those making criticisms have not read the entire law.” The law is ostensibly designed to crack down on pedophilia, but critics argue amendments to it make a dangerous link between homosexuality and the abuse of minors. The law prohibits sharing any content portraying homosexuality or sex reassignment to children under 18 in school sex education programs, films and advertisements.