Hungary Fines Bookseller Over LGBTQ+ Graphic Novel, Drawing EU Ire

Hungarian government fines national bookseller for selling LGBTQ+ graphic novel without closed packaging, violating 2021 law banning depiction of homosexuality to minors.
Fines levied against bookseller total 12 million forints ($35,930) for sale of popular British graphic novel "Heartstopper" in youth section without plastic wrapping.
Law prohibiting portrayal of homosexuality to minors part of broader statute aimed at protecting children, but criticized by EU and rights groups as stigmatizing LGBTQ+ people.
Fine comes ahead of Budapest Pride events and follows previous penalties against bookstores over same law now facing legal action by 15 EU countries in European Court of Justice.
Hungarian government argues law necessary to protect children, but seen by critics as way to promote Christian-conservative ideology of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.