Hungary’s National Assembly has enacted a constitutional amendment affecting the country’s LGBTQ+ community, specifically prohibiting public events related to LGBTQ+ themes. The amendment, approved by 140 votes in favor and 21 against, was driven by the country’s governing party, Fidesz-KDNP. Budapest Pride had already been banned in the preceding month, sparking protests. For more on the parliamentary vote session, the document is available here.
This legislative change solidifies the provisions of the 2021 Child Protection Law, which disallows the promotion or depiction of LGBTQ+ identities to minors. Additionally, the amendment reinforces legal frameworks that deny the recognition of gender identities differing from one’s birth sex. As outlined, individuals are categorized strictly as male or female, reminiscent of a recent executive order by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The full text of the existing law can be reviewed here.
The change comes amid ongoing criticism and scrutiny from international bodies. Human Rights Watch has documented discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in Hungary, and the European Parliament has previously expressed concerns about democratic backsliding, noting that the nation’s governance may no longer align with the principles of a full democracy. For deeper insights into these criticisms, you can read the coverage here and more about the European Parliament’s stance here.
These developments further isolate Hungary on the European stage, as ongoing debates around fundamental rights continue to unfold within European Union institutions, with a notable plenary session in Strasbourg scheduled to address these concerns. More details on this agenda are available here. For the original reporting on Hungary’s parliamentary actions, visit JURIST.