Lewis Hamilton slams Hungarian government over anti-LGBT law ahead of Grand Prix

Formula One star Lewis Hamilton has hit out at Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ law ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix in Budapest and called on the nation to overturn it in their upcoming referendum.

Hungary introduced a new so-called ‘child protection’ law earlier this month which was widely condemned for conflating homosexuality with paedophilia and which banned any portrayal of LGBT people in materials meant for children.

The country’s far-right prime minister, Viktor Orban, was slammed over the law and now Hamilton – who is in Hungary for the latest F1 Grand Prix – has urged his followers to overturn its introduction.

‘To all in this beautiful country Hungary,’ he wrote on Instagram on Thursday.

‘Ahead of the Grand prix this weekend, I want to share my support for those affected by the governments’ anti-LGBTQ+ law.

‘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.

‘I urge the people of Hungary to vote in the upcoming referendum to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, they need our support more than ever.

‘Please show love for those around you because love will always win. Sending you positivity.’

The wording and language used in the referendum has also been criticised, with one question asking: ‘Do you support minors being shown, without any restriction, media content of a sexual nature that is capable of influencing their development?’

Various rights groups say the referendum will likely increase discrimination of Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community and be harmful to LGBT children.

Hamilton, meanwhile, is facing a penalty review request from Red Bull who believe he should be suspended for the Hungarian Grand Prix after his tete-a-tete with Max Verstappen caused the Dutchman to crash last time out.

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