UEFA blocked Germany from putting up rainbow lights in its stadium during a game against Hungary, which recently banned LGBT content in schools and kids' TV

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UEFA blocked Germany from putting up rainbow lights in its stadium during a game against Hungary, which recently banned LGBT content in schools and kids' TV
The Allianz Arena soccer stadium in Munich, Germany, illuminated in rainbow colors during a Bundesliga match earlier this year. German authorities had hoped to light up the stadium in a similar way in the match against Hungary. Alexandra Beier/Getty Images
  • UEFA won't let Germany light up a stadium with rainbow colors for a Euro 2020 game against Hungary.
  • The soccer authority said it was rejecting the request because of its "political context."
  • Hungary just passed a law that bans gay people from featuring in school materials or children's TV.
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UEFA has rejected Germany's request to light up a stadium with rainbow colors during a soccer match against Hungary, which recently introduced a new anti-LGBT law.

The Munich City Council had requested the action for the Euro 2020 game on Tuesday.

But UEFA said in a statement on Tuesday that the move would be too political.

"Racism, homophobia, sexism and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies - and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today. Discriminatory behavior has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love," the statement said.

"However, UEFA, though its statues, is a politically and religiously neutral organisation. Given the political context of this specific request - a message aiming at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament - UEFA must decline this request."

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Hungary's parliament earlier this month passed a law that banned LGBT content from featuring in school materials or TV shows for people under 18.

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