The Irish government previously condemned Hungarian legislation passed in March which makes it a crime to organise and an offence to attend events that violate an existing law prohibiting the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to under-18s.

It was followed a month later by a constitutional amendment along similar lines.

A joint statement issued by the governments of Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden has said the moves “run contrary to the fundamental values of human dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights, as laid down in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union”.

“Respecting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, including LGBTIQ+ persons, is inherent in being part of the European family, it continues.

“This is our responsibility and shared commitment of the member states and the European institutions.

“We therefore call upon Hungary to revise these measures, to ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens are respected and protected, thus complying with its international obligations.

“We share the concern expressed by the European Commission in this regard and call on the Commission to expeditiously make full use of the rule of law toolbox at its disposal in case these measures are not revised accordingly.”