John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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52. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position towards plans by the Hungarian Government to introduce a series of constitutional amendments that include the outlawing of same-sex marriages. [38300/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am concerned at proposed amendments to Hungary’s Fundamental law, which could have a significant impact on the lives and rights of LGBTI+ people in Hungary.

The principles of equality and non-discrimination are enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. It is important that these principles are protected and promoted throughout the Union.

Advancing human rights is central to Ireland’s foreign policy. We are committed to promoting the rights of LGBTI+ people, who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination around the world. Ireland continues to support initiatives in the EU and other international fora which promote and protect the rights of LGBTI+ people, and which condemn violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Our Embassy in Hungary has engaged with senior Hungarian officials in order to seek further clarification regarding the proposed changes and other policy areas, and emphasised our strong concerns in this area. We will continue this dialogue and ensure that the Hungarian Government is informed of Ireland’s own position on these matters and the strong importance that we place on protecting and promoting the rights of LGBTI+ people.

The Embassy has also engaged in a number of meetings with Hungarian NGOs working in the area of LGBTI+ rights, both to hear their perspectives on recent developments in Hungary and to see how the Embassy can best support their work. These meetings will help the Embassy plan further supports.

I would also like to note that we welcome the recent publication of the European Commission’s first ever strategy for LGBTIQ equality, which sets out a number of targeted actions – including legal and funding measures.

We will continue to work both bilaterally and at the EU level to promote and protect the rights of LGBTI+ people across the EU and beyond.