Bookstore Fined for Offering LGBTQ Content to Kids
Líra Kereskedelmi Kft., a Hungarian book company, has been fined 12 million forints (EUR 32,000) by the Consumer Protection Office of the Budapest Government for violating consumer protection regulations. The fine was imposed following an investigation into the company’s distribution of the book “Heartstopper” in their bookstores.
The investigation revealed that “Heartstopper,” which depicts homosexuality, was categorized as children’s and young adult literature and was not distributed in closed packaging. This violation of the law prompted the Consumer Protection Office to impose a fine on Líra Kereskedelmi Kft. and order the company to ensure lawful distribution.
The government office of Budapest emphasized that strict action will be taken against companies that do not comply with the law in order to protect children. Líra Kereskedelmi Kft. and its bookstores violated a government decree issued under the Child Protection Act, which prohibits the sale of products promoting gender reassignment, homosexuality, or explicit sexuality near kindergartens or schools. These products must also be sold in closed packaging separate from other items and cannot be displayed in shop windows.
The Child Protection Act, which was passed by Parliament in 2021, aims to preserve parents’ rights to the sexual education of their children. The act includes various changes, such as the expanded scope of action against pedophile offenders. Media service providers are now required to not only restrict access to pornographic and violent content for minors but also limit the broadcasting of programs and advertisements that promote sexual awareness, gender reassignment, and homosexuality during certain times.
Further amendments to the Child Protection Act are planned for the autumn, indicating a continued commitment to protecting children. Hungary aims to have the strictest child protection legislation in Europe.
