Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has strongly criticised the Hungarian governement and voiced his support for the LGBTQ+ community in the country.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton trails championship leader Max Verstappen by eight points ahead of the weekend’s 11th of 23 Grand Prix events this season.
Ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix in Budapest, the Briton posted a message on his Instagram story in which he described as “cowardly” recently imposed legislation in Hungary, which bans the depiction of homosexuality to young people.
“To all in this beautiful country in Hungary. Ahead of the Grand Prix this weekend, I want to share my support for those affected by the government’s anti LGBT+ law. It is unacceptable, cowarldy and misguiding for those in power to suggest such a law.” Hamilton posted.
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban announced las week that a nationwide referendum would be held on legislation that limits the teaching in schools about homosexuality and transgender issues.
The new law could lead to mass censorship in Hungary. Most Hungarian NGOs have expressed concern that many popular culture products intended for young people may be banned, such as the series “Friends”, the story of which includes a lesbian relationship, or “Billy Elliot”, a film in which a boy reveals his homosexuality.
The concern is all the greater as several cases of this type have already hit the headlines in Hungary. In 2019, a pro-LGBT advertisement for Coca-Cola was sharply criticized by some members of the majority, who called for a boycott of the brand.
The following year, an inclusive children’s book “Wonderland belongs to everyone”, which angered members of the government. The latter considered that it was a work of “homosexual propaganda”.
