After Neuer and Co.: LBGTQ is also supported in Formula 1
It is not only within the soccer scene that the fight for the LGBTQ community and its rights is making waves. Now Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have also spoken out in favor of more equal rights.
The bone of contention was once again the anti-LGBTQ law, which in Hungary is supposed to prohibit, for example, the presentation of queer content in advertising and school textbooks. This is mainly justified with the protection of the "classical family", consisting of "father, mother, child".
Since the contents of the law were announced, Hungary has had to deal with a lot of criticism. Not only the politicians of the EU, but also many soccer fans showed their lack of understanding for the regulation in various ways.
Now two of the best-known faces in Formula 1 have also spoken out.
Hamilton and Vettel set an example
The Grand Prix in Hungary is now being used by Vettel and Hamilton to also take a stand. They clearly distanced themselves from the Hungarian government and the anti-LGBTQ content of the law.
Thus, Hamilton posted on Instagram:"... It is unacceptable, cowardly and misleading that those in power propose such a law. [...] I call on the people of Hungary to vote in the upcoming referendum to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, more than ever they need our support."
Vettel initially used fewer words for his statement on the subject and instead let actions speak. He recently wore sneakers in a colorful rainbow design. Asked about his accessories at a press conference, he said he felt it would be "embarrassing" for an EU country if "such laws" had to be voted on. In his opinion, everyone should be free to love those they want to love.
Diversity - also an issue in Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton, among others, has already experienced first-hand that some people obviously find it difficult to accept that people are different. He, too, has been the victim of racist hate comments on social networks.
Especially after he caused an accident with Verstappen, but then still won the race in Great Britain, brought him a shitstorm. He was personally insulted and called names.
The good news in this context, however, was that the driver was not left alone. Many responsible people took his side and strongly condemned the actions of the "fans".
This was definitely not just about supporting one's own team. Rather, other racing teams also made a clear statement against racism. Perhaps it is precisely this point that contributed to such an open statement by Hamilton against the Hungarian government. For the first time, he had the feeling that he was not standing alone "in this sport.
How important is it for public figures to speak out against homophobia?
By having prominent people speak out against homophobia, society could once again be sensitized to this important issue. However, there are critics who argue that this kind of sensitization would lead to an increase in attacks on queers.
Among other things, they explain on social networks that the community is never satisfied with what has already been achieved and that it is "their own fault" that people are now reacting aggressively to them. Above all, the rainbow flags and the kneeling of the players at the European Championship are responsible for the current developments around homophobic attacks.
What is certain, however, is that most people are personally concerned about speaking out against homophobia and that the grievances in society cannot be pointed out often enough. If people with a particularly high profile, such as Vettel or Hamilton, take a stand, this could have a major impact, especially on young people who may not yet know where they stand on the issue.
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