Dutch companies and Hungarian anti-gay law
Dutch companies and organisations operating in Hungary are opposed to a new anti-gay law being introduced in the country. ING, Unilever and football association KNVB, among others, are strongly opposed to it, according to a tour of NU.nl. But they also need to put their money where their mouth is, according to gay advocacy organisation COC, for example with a statement from the Dutch national team, which plays in Hungary next week.
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The new rules, approved by hungary’s parliament earlier this week, state that material “that promotes deviation from gender identity, gender reassignmentism and homosexuality” should not be displayed. This means, among other things, that homosexuality should not be discussed in education. In addition, some books may no longer be published and TV channels are only allowed to broadcast films in which homosexuality plays a role late at night.
Several Dutch companies operating in Hungary see nothing in the new law. For example, ING, which has an office in Budapest and is a sponsor of Pride Amsterdam, says it rejects any form of discrimination. Unilever is also critical of the Hungarian plans. The company points to its ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, which has been openly advocating equal rights for the LGBTI community for years.
Dutch companies and Hungarian anti-gay law
Google, which is also a sponsor of Pride Amsterdam, also doesn’t have a good word left for the new rules. Not only because it discriminates against people, but also because it is harmful to the economy and business. That is why Google, together with other organisations, has launched an initiative calling on companies to also speak out against the discriminatory measures.
Football Association KNVB – The Dutch team plays a game in Hungary on Sunday 27 June – and the Hungarian music festival Sziget, where thousands of Dutch people go every year, also speak out against the law and in favour of inclusivity.
Important to keep your paw stiff
COC is pleased that the organisations are taking a stand against the new law. “But it’s important to put the deed to the word and keep the leg stiff,” a spokesman said. And they could take another step in that, according to the advocacy group.
For example, Sziget indicates that he is still considering further actions, but the KNVB makes no mention of a statement regarding the game that the Dutch national team will play in Budapest next week. “It would be nice if the Dutch, also there, clearly speak out against the law, for example when players with rainbow bands play football around the arm. The league also provides a fan zone in Budapest. You could place a rainbow flag there.”
Coc also hopes that the others will put their money where their mouth is. COC points, among other things, to Unilever, which, although speaking out against the law, also says it intends to comply with the law. “We will review the new legislation in Hungary and ensure that our marketing activities comply with the new regulations,” the food group said.
COC calls that response “remarkable.” “We hear from the gay movement in Hungary that there is a company that has been fined for violating anti-gay rules, but is challenging fines in court and in the meantime does not change its policy. We would also like to see that from Dutch companies.”
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