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Politics v sport – F1 drivers speak out against anti-gay laws
Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have spoken out against Hungary’s new anti-LGBTQ+ law
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and eight-time winner of the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest, posted in support of the country’s LGBTQ+ community ahead of this year’s edition of the race.
He wrote: “To all in this beautiful country Hungary. Ahead of the Grand Prix this weekend, I want to share my support for those affected by the governments’ anti-LGBTQ+ law. It is unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding for those in power suggest such a law.
“Everyone deserves to have the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify. I urge the people of Hungary to vote in the upcoming referendum to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, they need our support more than ever.
“Please show love for those around you because Love will always win. Sending positivity. #lgbtq”
Following suit, Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel, arrived at the Budapest paddock with a rainbow strip on his trainers.
“Everybody’s free to do what they want and exactly that I guess is the point,” Vettel said. “So I find it embarrassing for a country that is in the European Union having to vote or having some laws like this as part of their constitution, whatever,” Vettel said.
“I just think we’ve had so many opportunities to learn in the past and I can’t understand why you’re struggling to see everybody should be free to do what they like, love who they like and it’s along the lines of ‘live and let live’.
“So it’s obviously not for us to make the law, that’s not our role, but I think just to express the support for obviously those who are affected by it.”
Politics vs sport
The law has become a controversial issue within sport.
The country is holding a referendum on a law which includes a ban on the depiction or promotion of homosexuality and gender change to under-18s.
Last month, UEFA refused a request from Munich’s Mayor for a stadium to be lit in rainbow colours ahead of Germany’s Euro 2020 clash against Hungary.
UEFA has refused a request from Munich’s Mayor for a stadium to be lit in rainbow colours ahead of Germany’s Euro 2020 clash against Hungary.
UEFA says the decision was consistent with being a “politically and religiously neutral organisation”.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said Hungary will hold a referendum on the issue by early 2022 at the latest.
News
FBI hunts assassin who shot Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University
Charlie Kirk, conservative influencer, shot dead at 31 during speech at Utah Valley University, prompting ongoing manhunt for suspect
Charlie Kirk, conservative influencer, shot dead at 31 during speech at Utah Valley University, prompting ongoing manhunt for suspect
– Federal authorities are investigating the shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was killed at Utah Valley University.
– A manhunt for the actual shooter is underway; two men have been questioned and released without charges.
During the aftermath, two men, one of whom claimed to have fired the shot, were taken into custody but later released without charges. A manhunt is ongoing for the actual shooter.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that those responsible will be held accountable, outlining the state’s commitment to justice.
President Donald Trump condemned the political climate surrounding Kirk’s death, blaming extreme rhetoric and violence.
In a statement, he remembered Kirk as a patriot who advocated for open debate. Following the incident, vigils were held nationwide, and classes at the university have been cancelled.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigations continue, American flags will fly at half-staff until Sunday in honour of Kirk.
“I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, told a news conference.
“And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said that its State Crime Lab was “working with multiple active crime scenes”.
“These were identified based on where the victim was shot, as well as the locations where the suspect and victim travelled,” a department statement said.
“The shooting is believed to be a targeted attack. The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard.”
Eyewitness account
Attendee Tiana Lao said the shooting came as a shock in what otherwise felt like an= normal event.
“We didn’t realise it was real at first and then everyone began rushing out, shouting to get down in panic and distress,” she told ABC News.
“People were excited. There were some opponents like there usually are at these events … but they were peaceful, so this was a total shock.”
News
Who was Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk?
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk assassinated at Utah university, leaving a significant void in U.S. conservative politics. #BreakingNews
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk assassinated at Utah university, leaving a significant void in U.S. conservative politics. #BreakingNews
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been assassinated while speaking at a Utah university, sparking shock and grief across America.
Known as the founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk became a leading voice in the MAGA movement, shaping conservative youth politics and energising Donald Trump’s base.
His sudden death leaves a major void in the U.S. conservative landscape.
#CharlieKirk #TurningPointUSA #USPolitics #BreakingNews #TickerNews
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