Hungarian National Museum Director Fired Over LGBTQ+ Content Display
BUDAPEST, Hungary — The director of the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest has been fired by Hungary’s cultural minister for failing to comply with a law that prohibits the display of LGBTQ+ content to minors. Laszlo L. Simon, who took on the role in 2021 for a five-year term, was dismissed after the government determined that five photos exhibited at the World Press Photo exhibition violated the law.
The museum responded by placing a notice on its website and at the exhibition entrance, informing visitors that the collection was restricted to individuals over 18. However, the cultural ministry deemed this action as inadequate and proceeded with Simon’s dismissal.
Laszlo L. Simon, a member of Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party and a former secretary of state, expressed his disagreement with the decision on his Facebook page. He denied deliberately violating the “child protection” law and rejected the notion that children should be shielded from him or his institution. Simon, a father of four and a grandparent, deemed the restriction unnecessary.
The photographs in question depicted an elderly LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines who have formed a close-knit home and supported each other as they age. Some of the community members were shown dressed in drag and wearing makeup.
Hungary’s government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has implemented various legislation to limit the availability of materials related to homosexuality or gender change to minors. This includes restrictions on television, films, advertisements, and literature. While the government argues that these measures are necessary to protect children from what it calls sexual propaganda, the law has faced criticism from 15 European Union member countries, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen labeled it as “a disgrace.”
In a statement, the cultural ministry declared that Simon’s dismissal was due to his failure to comply with the law and engaging in conduct that made it impossible for him to continue in his role. The ministry did not provide further comment when approached for additional information.
The incident at the Hungarian National Museum has once again brought attention to the ongoing clash between LGBTQ+ rights and conservative values in Hungary. Critics argue that the government’s actions undermine freedom of expression and further discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. The situation remains a topic of discussion both domestically and within the European Union.