Hungary's National Museum Director, Laszlo L. Simon, was dismissed by the country's cultural minister after just two years in the role due to the public display of LGBTQ+ imagery at the World Press Photo exhibition. Hungary's culture ministry accused Simon of violating a national law that restricts the display of LGBTQ+ content to individuals under 18.
The controversial imagery was part of the exhibition, which drew an estimated 50,000 visitors, including many students, and featured various photojournalistic subjects. Hungary's anti-LGBTQ+ law, implemented in June 2021, made it illegal to promote or portray homosexuality, sex change, or gender divergence in educational media.
In response to controversy, the government attempted to censor specific images in the exhibition, including those from a documentary project by photographer Hannah Reyes Morales. Simon, associated with Hungary's Fidesz party, denied violating the 2021 law and noted that the exhibition had age restrictions.
European institutions, including the European Parliament and European Commission, have taken legal action against Hungary's anti-LGBTQ+ law, alleging discrimination and violations of international trade law.
Jean Dubreil