Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday that Hungary’s “anti-LGBTQ+” law was “unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding” ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix in the country.

LGBTQ leaders say the “anti-paedophilia” bill stigmatises gay people and aims to shore up Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s radical right-wing support ahead of an election next year. Since the law was approved by the Fidesz-dominated parliament on June 15, several homophobic attacks have been reported in local media, while LGBTQ activists warn of growing fear in their community.