Quick Read
- Hungary’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment banning LGBTQ+ public events.
- The amendment codifies earlier laws limiting LGBTQ+ rights under the guise of ‘child protection.’
- Critics argue the move undermines human rights and democratic freedoms.
- The law enables facial recognition to monitor and deter protests.
- It also includes provisions to suspend dual citizenship for ‘security threats.’
Hungary Passes Controversial LGBTQ+ Ban
Hungary’s parliament has passed a constitutional amendment that bans public events organized by LGBTQ+ communities, marking a significant escalation in the government’s campaign against LGBTQ+ rights. The amendment, which required a two-thirds majority, was approved on Monday with 140 votes in favor and 21 against, reflecting the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition’s dominance under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Details of the Amendment
The amendment builds upon Hungary’s contentious “child protection” legislation, which prohibits the depiction or promotion of homosexuality to minors under 18. It explicitly bans public LGBTQ+ events, including Budapest Pride, an annual celebration that attracts thousands of attendees. The law also authorizes the use of facial recognition technology to identify participants in prohibited events, with penalties of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints ($546).
Supporters of the amendment argue it protects children’s rights to moral, physical, and spiritual development. However, critics contend that it is a veiled attempt to marginalize LGBTQ+ communities and distract from pressing national issues. Dánel Döbrentey, a lawyer with the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (HCLU), described the legislation as “pure propaganda” and said it has little to do with protecting children.
Protests and Opposition
Opposition to the amendment was vocal and visible. Ahead of the parliamentary vote, opposition lawmakers and activists attempted to blockade the entrance to a parliament parking garage. Protesters, some of whom had zip-tied themselves together, were forcibly removed by police. During the vote, opposition lawmakers used air horns to disrupt proceedings, albeit briefly.
Dávid Bedő, a lawmaker with the opposition Momentum party, criticized the government’s actions, stating, “Orbán and Fidesz have been dismantling democracy and the rule of law for the past 15 years, and this process has accelerated in recent months.” He added that the government’s moves are likely aimed at consolidating power ahead of the 2026 elections, as Orbán’s party faces growing challenges from the opposition.
Impact on LGBTQ+ Rights
The amendment also reinforces Hungary’s constitutional recognition of only two sexes, male and female, and denies the gender identities of transgender and intersex individuals. This builds on an earlier amendment that prohibits same-sex adoption and defines a mother as a woman and a father as a man. Government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács defended the changes, claiming they are based on “biological reality” and not an attack on individual self-expression.
However, LGBTQ+ advocates see the amendment as a direct attack on their community. Döbrentey called it “a clear message” aimed at excluding transgender and intersex individuals from society. “It is purely about humiliating people and excluding them, not just from the national community, but even from the community of human beings,” he said.
Facial Recognition and Surveillance
The amendment’s provision allowing the use of facial recognition technology has raised significant concerns about privacy and freedom of assembly. Ádám Remport, a lawyer with the HCLU, highlighted the invasive nature of mass surveillance, noting its potential to deter political protests. “The sheer scale of the intrusion is alarming,” Remport said. “It creates a chilling effect, where people are afraid to express their political or ideological beliefs for fear of persecution.”
Dual Citizenship and National Security
Another controversial aspect of the amendment is its provision to suspend the citizenship of Hungarians with dual nationality in non-European Economic Area countries. Citizenship can be suspended for up to 10 years if individuals are deemed threats to public order, security, or national sovereignty. Critics argue this measure is part of Orbán’s broader strategy to crack down on dissent and consolidate power.
Orbán has previously accused foreign-funded organizations and individuals of undermining Hungary’s sovereignty. In a speech earlier this year, he likened such groups to insects and vowed to eliminate what he described as a “shadow army” of foreign-funded activists, journalists, and NGOs.
International and Domestic Reactions
The amendment has drawn widespread criticism from human rights organizations and legal scholars, who view it as another step toward authoritarianism. Hungary’s government has faced growing scrutiny from the European Union over its democratic backsliding, including its treatment of LGBTQ+ communities, media restrictions, and judicial independence.
Domestically, the amendment has polarized public opinion. Supporters of the government argue that the measures are necessary to protect Hungarian values and children, while opponents see them as a dangerous erosion of fundamental rights and freedoms.
What Lies Ahead?
As Hungary moves closer to the 2026 elections, the government’s actions are likely to remain under intense scrutiny. The constitutional amendment represents a significant escalation in Orbán’s campaign against LGBTQ+ rights and raises broader concerns about the state of democracy in Hungary. Whether domestic and international pressure will lead to any reversal of these policies remains to be seen.