Deaf News: European Union of the Deaf VP resigns over LGBTQ+ controversy

The European Union of the Deaf (EUD) has confirmed that Dr Gergely Tapolczai has resigned as vice president, following criticism over his stance on LGBTQ+ rights.

The Hungarian politician voted for the ninth amendment in the country’s Assembly last year, which defines a mother as a woman and a father as a man.

In a statement shared on Twitter, the EUD said: “EUD Board hereby informs of the resignation of Dr Gergely Tapolczai as the Vice President of the EUD. 

“The decision to resign was unanimously taken by the EUD Board members, including Dr Gergely Tapolczai, during the EUD Board Meeting on 4 February 2021.”

EUD Board hereby informs of the resignation of Dr Gergely Tapolczai as the Vice President of the EUD. The decision to resign was unanimously taken by the EUD Board members, including Dr Gergely Tapolczai, during the EUD Board Meeting on 4 February 2021.

— European Union of the Deaf (@EUD_Brussels) February 5, 2021

The announcement follows a comment from the organisation in January, where they said that the EUD “defends the human rights of all deaf persons”.

“[It] 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,” it reads.

The thread concluded with the organisation adding that the matter would be discussed with members during an Extraordinary General Assembly.

Meanwhile, Dr 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.

Responding to news of Dr Tapolczai’s resignation, LGBTIQA+ activist Abigail Gorman, who was amongst those who challenged his position, said she applauds the decision.

“Whilst I understand it must have been a hard one to make, we should be represented by people who have our best interests at heart and will fight to protect them,” she said.

UK-based charity Deaf Rainbow also expressed their support for the action taken and added: “We applaud this decision in view of principles and Human Rights which we know [the EUD] values and embraces.”

No comment has yet been made on Dr Tapolczai’s replacement.

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.