Hungary's New Law: A Step Back for LGBTQ+ Rights

Hungary has taken a significant step backward in its treatment of LGBTQ+ communities. The country's parliament approved a constitutional change that gives the government the power to stop public events organized by these groups. This move has sparked outrage among legal experts and critics, who see it as another sign of the government's shift towards authoritarianism. The amendment passed with a two-thirds majority, showing a clear divide along party lines. The ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, pushed for the change. Before the vote, opposition politicians and protesters tried to block the entrance to a parliament parking garage, but police intervened and removed them. The new law prioritizes children's rights to moral, physical, and spiritual development above all others, except the right to life. This aligns with Hungary's controversial "child protection" legislation, which restricts the "depiction or promotion" of homosexuality to anyone under 18. The amendment also makes official a law that was rushed through parliament earlier this year, banning public events by LGBTQ+ communities. This includes the popular Budapest Pride event, which attracts thousands of people annually. The law also introduces strict measures for enforcement. Authorities can use facial recognition technology to identify attendees of banned events, with hefty fines for those caught participating. Critics argue that these measures are more about distracting from real issues and rallying support for Orbán's party ahead of the 2026 elections than about protecting children. The government's stance on LGBTQ+ communities has been contentious. It claims that its "child protection" policies are necessary to shield children from what it calls "woke ideology" and "gender madness. " However, critics say these measures do little to protect children and are instead a tool to mobilize Orbán's right-wing base. The amendment also clarifies that the constitution recognizes only two sexes, male and female. This move is seen as a direct attack on transgender and intersex individuals, who are effectively erased by this definition. The government spokesperson defended the change, stating that it is about clarifying legal norms based on biological reality. However, critics see it as a clear message of exclusion and humiliation. The amendment is just one of many changes made to Hungary's constitution since Orbán's party took control in 2011. It also introduces new measures allowing for the suspension of citizenship for Hungarians with dual citizenship in non-European Economic Area countries if they are deemed a threat to public order or national security. This move is part of a broader trend of cracking down on critics, including media outlets and civil rights groups. Orbán has accused these groups of undermining Hungary's sovereignty by receiving foreign funding. In a recent speech, he even compared them to insects, vowing to eliminate what he calls the "shadow army" of foreign-funded activists.