HUNGARY – Various national media in Hungary, as well as big international media reported that Hungary withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest due to the fact that the Hungarian Government and the national broadcaster believe that the Contest is “too gay”. MTVA, Hungary’s national broadcaster, has just responded to these reports with the following statement:
The public media finds it outrageous and unacceptable, and therefore firmly rejects recent statements in the domestic and international press that Hungary is not participating in Eurovision because the show gives space to homosexual artists. These views which refer to sexual orientation violate human dignity, the ethical norms of press as well as the law. A professional decision was made that next year, instead of sending an act to the Eurovision Song Contest, we would assist the talented Hungarian musicians directly and help the productions they have created. We would like to make it clear that we do not look at any performance, event or organization based on anyone’s sexual orientation.