The EU´s executive questions harmful legislation of both governments (Hungary and Poland) against LGBTIQ community and sets a two-month period to respond, failing which the Commisssion may refer them to the EU´s Court of Justice.

¨Equality and respect for dignity and human rights are core values of the EU… We will use all the instruments at our disposal to defend these values,’ the EC said in a statement.

The action against Hungary related to a new law that bans schools from using materials deemed as promoting homosexuality – legislation which has set Prime Minister Viktor Orban on a collision course with rights groups.

On the other hand, the action against Poland related to the decision by some regions and municipalities to declare themselves ‘LGBT-ideology free zones’, and the authorities’ failure to respond to enquiries on this matter, the Commission said.

pgh/Pll/jcm / ehl