EU Court Rules on Hungary’s Anti-LGBTIQ+ Law: A Landmark Victory

The Court of Justice of the European Union today delivered its judgment on Hungary’s anti-LGBTIQ+ “propaganda” law, in a landmark case brought by the European Commission and backed by 16 Member States and the European Parliament.

The ruling requires Hungary to struck down its anti-LGBTIQ+ law. It proved that this type of discriminatory legislation breaches the EU’s core values of fundamental rights, rule of law and human dignity.

For Forbidden Colours, this ruling marks a historic victory for LGBTIQ+ people across Europe and the result of years of coordinated civil society pressure.

Together with Reclaim and Háttér Society, Forbidden Colours was at the origin of the case, driving an EU-wide campaign that pushed governments to join and compelled the Commission to act. The unprecedented coalition of 16 Member States supporting the case stands as one of the strongest collective actions ever taken in defence of LGBTIQ+ rights in the European Union.

“This is a historic victory, and we claim it as such,” said Rémy Bonny, Executive Director of Forbidden Colours.

“This case did not happen by accident. We built the pressure, we mobilised governments and we forced European institutions to act. Today proves that when civil society organises across borders, we can defeat state-sponsored discrimination.”

First Test for Hungary’s New Government

The ruling is the first major test for incumbent Prime Minister Péter Magyar and his government.

Forbidden Colours calls on Hungary to fully and immediately comply, not only by addressing the law at the centre of the case, but by dismantling the broader system of anti-LGBTIQ+ discrimination introduced under Viktor Orbán.

“This judgment must mark the end of an era,” Bonny continued.

“Taking down one law is not enough. The Hungarian government must dismantle the full architecture of discrimination: from the ban on legal gender recognition to the constitutional prohibition of marriage equality. Anything less would be a continuation of the same injustice under a different name.”

The ruling also undermines the legal framework for the ban on Pride in Hungary.

A Defining Moment for Europe

Beyond Hungary, the ruling sends a clear message across the European Union: systemic attacks on LGBTIQ+ people will be challenged and can be defeated.

The case has already reshaped the political landscape, showing that coordinated action between civil society, Member States, and EU institutions can deliver real accountability.

“This is bigger than Hungary,” Bonny said.

“Europe has shown that it will not tolerate governments scapegoating LGBTIQ+ people for political gain. This ruling sets a precedent and we will use it.”

Forbidden Colours will continue working with partners across Europe to ensure full implementation of the judgment and to push back against similar laws wherever they emerge.