🌈 Happy Pride! Last week, we saw the colors of the rainbow unfold across the country to celebrate (and remember the importance of) the rights of LGBTQ+ people. In this sense, Denmark is an oasis – already in 1933, same-sex sexual activity was legalized. Polls consistently show that nearly all Danes agree with same-sex unions, which first came in the form of “registered partnerships” in 1989, making it the first country in the world to grant this legal recognition. In 2012, the official marriage law was passed, including gay marriages in the national church.
In the land of smørrebrød, rights have advanced at an admirable rate. Same-sex couples are allowed to adopt, LGBTQ+ people are allowed to serve openly in the military, and the law prohibits any form of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. But, in spite of everything, it is not time to rest on our laurels, as rights can go as “easy” as they’ve come. “The rainbow is no longer as clear in the European sky,” writes DR. In European countries like Italy, Poland, Romania, and Hungary, progress is quickly receding, putting things like same-sex rights and sexual education into question.
Earlier this year, two Hungarian NGO leaders visited the country to urge Danish politicians to fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the European Union. In the past, countries have been financially sanctioned for going against EU values. Now it seems Denmark will have to step up to raise the voice of those who no longer can. Hungarian Andras Léderer argues this is not only a matter of sexual rights but also the first brick of a dangerous edifice. “Removing the rights of LGBTQ+ people is one of the oldest political tricks,” he says. “Once we start questioning the fundamental values of the EU, we might wake up one day and realize that our rights are also being taken away from us.”
