Hungarian Parliament Passes Controversial Amendment Eroding LGBTQ Rights
Hungarian lawmakers on Monday enacted the 15th amendment to the Fundamental Law, which significantly restricts the rights of LGBTQ groups to hold public events and recognizes only two genders: male and female. The amendment garnered overwhelming support, passing with a vote of 140 to 21, with cooperation from the far-right Our Homeland Movement and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party, alongside the Christian Democrats.
Members and supporters of the opposition Momentum party attempted to disrupt the legislative process by blocking access to the parliamentary parking lot and making noise during the voting session. Protests also took place outside Parliament, reflecting widespread discontent with the decision.
The amendment enshrines the notion that individuals can only identify as either male or female in the Constitution, following a similar move in the United States under then-President Donald Trump, a known ally of Orbán. It prioritizes the rights of children to proper physical, mental, and moral development over other rights, notably the right to assembly, which implies that public events such as the annual Pride march in Budapest—celebrated for about three decades—can now be prohibited.
Furthermore, the amendment asserts that Hungarians have a fundamental right to cash transactions and allows for the suspension of citizenship for dual nationals deemed a threat to national security. The legislation also constitutionally forbids the production, use, distribution, and promotion of drugs.
This move is part of a broader trend under Orbán's governance, which has seen increased legislation targeting the LGBTQ community. Since his return to power in 2010, the government has imposed bans on gay marriage, severely restricted adoption rights for LGBTQ individuals, and made contentious comparisons between homosexuality and pedophilia. The enactment of this latest amendment is a clear step in the ongoing battle against LGBTQ rights in Hungary, drawing international criticism and concern.
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