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Coca-Cola handed fine by regulators in Hungary after featuring same-sex couples in ad campaign

The ad sees straight and gay couples sharing a drink together

By Steve Brown

Words: Steve Brown

Coca-Cola has been handed a fine by regulators in Hungary after featuring same-sex couples in a new ad campaign.

The campaign – which was designed for Budapest Pride – sees both same-sex and heterosexual couples sharing a Coca-Cola together.

However, despite showing support for the LGBTQ community, Fidesz MP Istvan Boldog announced back in August that he will be leading a petition to have the company banned over the ad.

Now, it’s reported the fizzy drinks company has been issued a fine after lawmakers claim the campaign violates the country’s advertising laws.

Index.hu claimed the local consumer protection bureau argued that ads should be banned on the ground of the ‘protection of children and minors’.

A letter reveals officials accused Coca-Cola Hungary of violating provisions of the Advertising Act and ordered the company to ‘cease advertising that is detrimental to the physical, mental, emotional and moral development of children and minors’.

It’s reported the company has been fined 500,000 Hungarian Forint – equivalent to £1,300.