In The News: Can the EU do anything about Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ law?

At an extraordinary summit of European leaders in Brussels last week, Hungary was told if it didn’t like the EU and all that it stands for, then it could always follow the UK out the door.

The invitation to leave was made by the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and came as the country’s far-right leader Viktor Orban was widely condemned over a law that discriminates against the LGBTQ community.

Other leaders, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Luxembourg’s gay prime minister Xaiver Bettel, were also openly critical of Orban.

While the legislation is nominally about combating paedophilia, its ban on any depiction of homosexuality to children may have more to do with politics, says Europe correspondent Naomi O’Leary on today’s podcast.

But does the call for Hungary to consider its position in the Union have any teeth, and what are the other options at the EU’s disposal to put pressure on Orban to drop the law?

In the News is presented by reporters Sorcha Pollak and Conor Pope.

You can listen to the podcast here:

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