The Hungarian Parliament has just voted through new rules that would ban teaching of LGBTIQ education and literature, advertisements and other materials, deemed by the government to be promoting LGBTIQ rights, under the guise of "protecting children". The ruling Fidesz party proposals echo similar legislation in Russia, aimed at singling out the LGBTIQ community. The General Affairs Council is due to discuss the ongoing Article 7 procedure for Hungary on June 22nd.

The pandemic has laid bare, and in many cases worsened, deep rifts in our societies. As we emerge from this difficult and painful period, we should take a moment to reflect on what kind of future we want to create. Coming out of this crisis cannot mean a return to business as usual: We need ambition and solidarity to tackle social injustice, discrimination and inequality. Otherwise, the recovery from this crisis will inevitably only benefit the few.