Deaf News: European Union of the Deaf issues LGBTI+ statement following controversy

The European Union of the Deaf (EUD) has issued a statement expressing its support for the deaf LGBTI+ community, after its Hungarian Vice President voted for an amendment defining a mother as a woman, and a father as a man.

Gergely Tapolczai, a member of President Orbán’s Fidesz party, was amongst the 134 votes in favour of the ninth amendment, which also “protects children’s rights to an identity with [their] appropriate sex at birth”.

In a post on Twitter, the EUD said: “EUD defends the human rights of all deaf persons and embraces the diversity of the deaf community in Europe, including the deaf LGBTI+ community.

“It is essential that EUD is represented by those who adhere to its core values: equality and non-discrimination for ALL.”

They went on to add that its Board takes the issue “very seriously” and will discuss it with members during an Extraordinary General Assembly.

EUD defends the human rights of all deaf persons & embraces the diversity of the deaf community in Europe, including the deaf LGBTI+ community- It is essential that EUD is represented by those who adhere to its core values: equality and non-discrimination for ALL 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️♀⚧️

— European Union of the Deaf (@EUD_Brussels) January 22, 2021

It comes after Abigail Gorman, LGBTIQA+ activist, challenged the organisation on its position on LGBTIQA+ issues in December.

“I am concerned that your Vice-President does not share the same values and principles as proven by his vote for the 9th Amendment to Hungary’s constitution.

“The Amendment is homophobic, transphobic and a gross violation of people’s human rights,” she tweeted.

Deaf interpreter Dennis Hoogeveen, from the Netherlands, added: “I have personally nothing against your VP, but how to you expect to be credible in defending LGBTQIA+ rights if there is someone in your board who cannot do this?”

In response to the EUD’s latest statement, Abigail told The Limping Chicken that it was a ruling which will have an impact on the lives of the LGBTIQA+ community.

“How can a person state that he will fight for our human rights and yet votes to take it away from us?

“It is contradictory behaviour and certainly should not be taking place whilst on EUD’s board,” she said.

Commenting on Abigail’s tweet last month, Tapolczai said the EUD respects and defends the human rights of “all deaf persons and groups” – values which he adheres to as Vice President.

“I promote equality and non-discrimination in my official capacity and condemn any discriminatory measures,” he said.

Photo: European Union of the Deaf.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is a mildly deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He wears bilateral hearing aids and can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.