LONDON, Oct 19 (Reuters) – MTV goes forward with plans to carry its Europe Music Awards in Budapest subsequent month, it mentioned on Tuesday, to indicate solidarity with Hungary’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood following a June regulation banning the “show and promotion of homosexuality” amongst under-18s.
In a memo to employees, MTV Leisure Group Worldwide President and Chief Govt Chris McCarthy mentioned the choice “could shock” these acquainted with the regulation, which rights teams and the European Union have criticised.
“The choice was very clear to all of us. We should always not transfer the occasion,” McCarthy mentioned.
“As a substitute, we should always transfer ahead, utilizing the present as a chance to face in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Hungary and world wide as we proceed to struggle for equality for all.”
In June, Hungary’s parliament handed laws that bans the dissemination of content material in faculties deemed to advertise homosexuality and gender change, amid robust criticism from human rights teams and opposition events.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban says the regulation is aimed on the safety of kids, whereas EU leaders say the reforms discriminate in opposition to homosexual and transgender individuals and go in opposition to EU values.
Broadcasters have mentioned the regulation is a menace to freedom of expression, and will impression showings of household favorite motion pictures and exhibits like “Harry Potter” and “Fashionable Household”, which embody .
“I’ve to be sincere with you, as a homosexual man, my private feelings obtained the higher of me. After studying this laws handed, my knee jerk response was that we should always transfer the occasion to a different nation,” McCarthy mentioned, including he later consulted with LGBTQ+ advocates.
MTV, which is a part of ViacomCBS , mentioned on Tuesday the 2021 EMAs would happen on the Papp Laszlo Budapest Sportarena indoor enviornment on Nov. 14, with “a worldwide celebration of music for all audiences world wide”.
The annual awards present, which takes place in a special location every year, returns as an in-person occasion following a digital version final 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nominees and hosts are but to be introduced.
Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; extra reporting by Krisztina Than; Modifying by Giles Elgood
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