Hungary's anti-LGBTQ+ law is unacceptable, says Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday that Hungary's "anti-LGBTQ+" law was "unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding" ahead of this weekend's Grand Prix in the country.

LGBTQ leaders say the "anti-paedophilia" bill stigmatises gay people and aims to shore up Prime Minister Viktor Orban's radical right-wing support ahead of an election next year. Since the law was approved by the Fidesz-dominated parliament on June 15, several homophobic attacks have been reported in local media, while LGBTQ activists warn of growing fear in their community.

Last Saturday, thousands marched in Budapest's biggest Pride parade, a week before this Sunday's race at the Hungaroring, to the east of the capital. "Ahead of the Grand Prix this weekend, I want to share my support for the affected by the government's anti-LGBTQ+ law," Hamilton posted on Instagram.

"It is unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding for those in power to suggest such a law. "Everyone deserves to have the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify," he added.

On July 21, Orban said a national vote would be held to gauge domestic support for the law after the European Commission launched legal action against Budapest over the measure.

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