The retailer Lira Kiskereskedelmi Kft has been recently fined 12 million forints (£27,400) for selling a book titled Heartstopper without wrapping it in plastic foil.
The authorities claimed that the book depicted homosexuality and was sold to minors. The investigation conducted by the Budapest metropolitan government office found that the books in question, including Heartstopper, portrayed homosexuality and were placed among literature intended for minors.
The fine was imposed in accordance with legislation introduced by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government in 2021, which prohibits “the display and promotion of homosexuality” among persons under the age of 18.
This law, criticized by the European Parliament and the head of the European Commission, has been seen as a violation of EU values and principles.
Hungary’s LGBT community has also expressed concerns about the legislation, citing potential restrictions on free speech and children’s rights.
The Heartstopper series, authored and illustrated by British writer Alice Oseman, revolves around the love story of two British teenagers and has been adapted into a Netflix series.
Lira Kiskereskedelmi Kft bookstore and Ms. Oseman’s publisher have been approached for comment.
