On November 19, the European Court of Justice began historic proceedings in what has been called “the biggest human rights battle in EU history.” However, behind the headlines on LGBT rights lies a deeper struggle for Europe’s future. The EU lawsuit against Hungary’s child protection law reveals a troubling pattern: the use of LGBT rights as a tool to erode national sovereignty and push toward centralization.
What began as a debate over parental rights in child education has now become a potential precedent for unprecedented EU control over member states. Here’s what’s at stake: if Hungary loses this case, it could trigger Article 7 – the EU’s “nuclear option” – which could strip a member state of its voting rights. This has never happened before and would set a dangerous precedent for nations. Hungary’s law does not target LGBT adults or their rights; it simply ensures parental rights over how and when children access certain content.
Alarmingly, 16 EU member states have joined the European Commission in challenging Hungary, even though this case is not just about Hungary. It’s about the EU envisioning itself as a centralized superstate. By weaponizing social issues, Brussels can pressure member states into ceding more sovereignty. Nations that resist this pressure are branded as “norm violators” that must be disciplined.
The timing is particularly concerning, as recent proposals in the European Parliament seek fundamental treaty changes, including the removal of member states’ veto rights. This reflects the ongoing transformation of the EU from a union of sovereign nations into an increasingly centralized federation.
The verdict expected next summer could reshape European power dynamics permanently. This case is not just about “LGBT rights” – it’s about who gets to decide the future of European nations: their own citizens or EU bureaucrats.
Translated and edited by Evan Right
