BUDAPEST, Hungary -- In a controversial move, Hungary's cultural minister announced on Monday the dismissal of the director of the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, Laszlo L. Simon. Simon was accused of failing to comply with a contentious law that bans the display of LGBTQ+ content to minors.

Laszlo L. Simon, a member of Hungary's ruling Fidesz party and a former secretary of state with the cultural ministry, had been appointed as the director of the museum for a five-year term in 2021. However, his tenure was cut short after the government deemed that five photos on display at the prestigious World Press Photo exhibition violated the law restricting children's access to content that depicts homosexuality or gender change.

The Hungarian National Museum promptly posted a notice on its website and at the entrance of the exhibition, stating that the collection was restricted to visitors over the age of 18. This was in response to the government's determination regarding the controversial content displayed.

Simon took to his Facebook page on Monday to defend himself and the museum, stating that they had not intentionally violated Hungary's 2021 "child protection" law. It remains unclear whether he plans to take any legal action regarding his dismissal.

The law, which restricts the availability of materials promoting or depicting homosexuality to minors in various forms of media, including television, films, advertisements, and literature, has garnered significant criticism both domestically and internationally. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his government argue that the law is aimed at protecting children from what they deem as sexual propaganda. However, it has led to legal action from 15 European Union countries, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing it as "a disgrace."

The cultural ministry, in its statement regarding Simon's dismissal, cited his failure to comply with the law and engaging in conduct that made it impossible for him to continue his employment. The exact nature of Simon's alleged conduct was not specified.

Hungary's cultural ministry did not respond to a request for comment on this matter.

This move has once again brought attention to the ongoing debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression in Hungary, as well as the broader issues surrounding the enforcement of laws restricting content deemed inappropriate for minors. The fallout from Simon's dismissal and the ongoing legal challenges to the law will undoubtedly be closely monitored.