Hungary is known as one of the most repressive countries in Europe for members of the LGBT Community, and the politicians there regularly espouse homophobic rhetoric.
In some cases, as we have seen in the United States, many of these politicians who are vocally against gay rights are often struggling with questions about the repression of their own sexuality. On numerous occasions, high-profile conservative politicians have been caught in same-sex relationships despite actively passing laws that make life more difficult for other people who wish to do the same.
European MEP Jozsef Szajer, of Hungary, appears to be one of those hypocrites. Szajer resigned from his position in Brussels on Friday, after he was caught fleeing what police called “a 25-man orgy.”
The event was raided by the police because it was breaking the country’s strict lockdown rules. Police say they found 25 naked men at the gathering, which was attended by Szajer and other unnamed diplomats.
The local Belgian newspaper La Dernière Heure quoted a local police source as saying, “We interrupted a gang bang.”
Szajer was a part of a government that was incredibly hostile to gay rights. He even helped to rewrite Hungary’s constitution to “protect the institution of marriage as the union of a man and a woman,” according to The Times of London.
When Szajer saw that the gathering was being raided, he climbed out a first-floor window and was spotted “fleeing along the gutter,” according to prosecutors.
Police also said that drugs were found in Szajer’s bag, but he claimed that he did not take any drugs.
The public prosecutor said that, “A passer-by reported to the police that he had seen a man fleeing along the gutter; he was able to identify the man. The man’s hands were bloody. It is possible that he may have been injured while fleeing. Narcotics were found in his backpack. The man was unable to produce any identity documents. He was escorted to his place of residence, where he identified himself as S. J. (1961) by means of a diplomatic passport.”
On Tuesday, Szajer admitted to the incident, saying that he was at a “private party” that was disrupted by police.
Szajer says that police gave him a verbal warning after he notified them that he was an MEP.
“After the police asked for my identity, since I did not have ID on me, I declared that I was a MEP. The police continued the process and finally issued an official verbal warning and transported me home,” he admitted.
Szajer apologized for violating the country’s COVID restrictions and admitted that it was an irresponsible decision. He said that he is prepared to accept whatever fines and punishments come from his actions.
“I deeply regret violating the Covid restrictions, it was irresponsible on my part. I am ready to stand for the fine that occurs,” he said.
He also urged citizens to only judge him personally, and not his political party.
“I ask everyone not to extend it to my homeland, or to my political community,” he added.