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The head of Hungary's National Museum, Laszlo Simon, has been fired for allegedly allowing people under the age of 18 to view LGBT content. This comes after a controversial Hungarian law was passed, which prohibits the "display and promotion of homosexuality" in materials that can be accessed by children, such as books and films. The museum recently held the World Press Photo exhibition, which featured photographs of LGBT individuals in the Philippines. The government claims that Simon failed to meet his "legal obligations" by allowing this exhibition to take place, a charge that Simon denies. He argues that the museum did not intentionally break any laws and followed an order to restrict entry for under-18s. In response, Simon posted on Facebook, rejecting the idea that children should be protected from him or the museum. He stated, "As a father and grandparent of four children, I firmly reject the idea that our children should be protected from me or from the institution I lead." The controversy surrounding the exhibition was initially sparked by a far-right lawmaker who demanded the government investigate the show, particularly focusing on photos depicting elderly LGBT individuals in the Philippines. The lawmaker referenced the new Hungarian legislation that prohibits minors from accessing material related to homosexuality, gay rights, or gender change. Following the government's claim that the exhibition violated the law, the museum placed notices on its website and at the exhibition entrance, indicating that it was not open to visitors under 18. Reacting to these events, organizers of the World Press Photo exhibition expressed shock. They stated that this was the first time one of their shows had been censored in Europe. The photographer, Hannah Reyes Morales, also expressed her sadness over the situation, emphasizing the importance of visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community and their right to exist and be seen. Laszlo Simon, who was fired from his position at the National Museum, is a former minister in the right-wing government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban has defended his controversial crackdown on LGBT content, claiming that he is protecting children and upholding Christian values. However, this legislation has faced strong criticism from human rights organizations and the European Union, to which Hungary belongs. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen previously referred to the law as a "disgrace." In recent months, the same law has been employed to fine a bookseller for selling the British graphic novel Heartstopper, which features a love story between two teenagers, without wrapping it in a plastic cover. The World Press Photo exhibition concluded as scheduled at the Budapest museum on Sunday.