Czech Government Commissioner for Human Rights, Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková, and Czech Interior Minister, Vít Rakušan (STAN), have strongly criticized the fine imposed on the Hungarian bookstore chain Líra könyv for selling the gay romance novel “Heartstoppers.” The book was deemed to have violated a Hungarian law banning the presentation of homosexuality to children, leading to a hefty 12 million forints fine.
According to Šimáčková Laurenčíková, this incident is a clear example of human rights being restricted under the guise of such laws. The Hungarian legislation, which prevents LGBT+-themed content from being accessible to people under 18, has drawn sharp criticism from both domestic and international voices.
Vít Rakušan expressed his bewilderment at the notion of covering up a book that depicts two boys holding hands, questioning the normality of such restrictions in the 21st century. He believes that love should not be taboo, regardless of gender, and that equality and human rights should be safeguarded for all.
Pirate MP Klára Kocmanová lamented the lack of support within the Czech government to join the 15 other countries in supporting the European Commission’s action against Hungary over this law. She expressed her party’s disappointment in not being able to stand with the EU in seeking justice and upholding human rights.
The Hungarian government defends the law as a measure to protect children, while critics argue that it discriminates against sexual minorities. Legal action against the law has been initiated before the EU Court of Justice, gaining support from 15 EU countries and drawing strong condemnation from European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, who referred to the law as “shameful.”
“Heartstoppers” is a poignant graphic novel by British author Alice Oseman, depicting the lives of two gay teenagers in high school. The book has also received a television adaptation from Netflix, further emphasizing the importance of inclusive representation in media.
The debate surrounding this incident highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the imperative to protect human rights and equality for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity.
