Lewis Hamilton speaks out against Hungary’s ‘COWARDLY’ anti-LGBTQ+ stance ahead of Grand Prix at Hungaroring as Sebastian Vettel dons rainbow-coloured trainers to protest Viktor Orban’s controversial legislation
- Lewis Hamilton has hit out at Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on Instagram
- Formula One arrives in Hungaroring ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix
- The country has been under the spotlight for its controversial LGBTQ+ stance
- Hamilton, 36, labelled the country’s legislation ‘cowardly’ and ‘unacceptable’
- Viktor Orban did not attend a Euro 2020 game due to furore over the law
Lewis Hamilton has spoken out against Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation ahead of the country’s grand prix and urged voters to protect rights by rejecting it in an upcoming referendum.
The sport’s most successful driver of all time is racing for Mercedes at the Hungaroring near Budapest this weekend in the 11th round of the championship, which could bring him a record 100th career win.
‘Ahead of the Grand Prix this weekend, I want to share my support for those affected by the government’s anti-LGBTQ+ law,’ the Briton posted on Instagram on Thursday.
Lewis Hamilton has hit out at Hungary’s controversial anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on Instagram
The seven-time Formula One world champion labelled the country’s stance ‘unacceptable’
F1 driver Sebastian Vettel also wore rainbow-coloured trainers at the Hungaroring paddock
‘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.’
Sebastian Vettel echoed the sentiments of the Mercedes star on Thursday, and was pictured wearing trainers with rainbow colours in the Hungarian paddock.
Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been in power since 2010, has introduced social policies he says aim to safeguard traditional Christian values from Western liberalism.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been condemned for his anti-LGBTQ+ stance
A flag-waving protester ran onto the pitch as Germany prepared to face Hungary at the Euros
Orban’s stance came under scrutiny during the Euros this summer after Germany announced its intention to light up the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours in support of LGBTQ+ rights ahead of their game against the Hungarians.
UEFA blocked the move, resulting in huge criticism of the organisation, and Orban opted not to attend the game amid the furore surrounding Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
Germany defied UEFA’s decision as a number of stadia across the country lit up in rainbow colours anyway, while an LGBTQ+ flag-waving pitch invader protested against Hungary’s social policy in front of the players before kick off.
Stadia across Germany lit up in rainbow colours in an act of defiance to Hungary’s legislation
The European Commission has launched legal action against Orban’s government over the new law, which came into force this month, saying it is discriminatory and contravenes European values of tolerance and individual freedom.
A survey last month by the Ipsos polling organisation found that 46% of Hungarians supported same-sex marriage.
Orban announced a referendum last week on legislation that limits schools’ teaching about homosexuality and transgender issues.
Hamilton has used his profile to campaign for social issues, human rights and diversity
Hamilton, Formula One’s only black driver, has used his platform to campaign for a range of social issues, human rights and diversity.
He has said that while drivers have no say in where the sport races, it was right to speak out.
‘I don’t think we should be going to these countries and just ignoring what is happening in those places and arriving, having a great time and then leave,’ the 36-year-old said earlier this year.