"LGBTQ+, No Freedom of Expression or Assembly"…Hungary Changes Constitution to Protect Children

Reflecting a Conservative Stance That Does Not Recognize Diverse Family Structures
LGBTQ+ Parades Deemed Harmful to Children

Hungary, a right-wing government in power in Eastern Europe, has passed a bill that could restrict the rights of sexual minorities (LGBTQ+).

AP, Reuters, and other news agencies reported on the 14th (local time) that the Hungarian Parliament approved a constitutional amendment with 140 votes in favor and 21 against, surpassing the required quorum (two-thirds).

Hungary has passed a bill that restricts the rights of sexual minorities. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

The amended constitution states "shall."

Accordingly, the Hungarian government prioritizes the rights of children’s physical, mental, and moral development over all other fundamental rights except the right to life, establishing a legal basis to restrict or prohibit the freedom of expression and assembly of sexual minorities under the pretext of protecting children.

Every year, a 'Pride' parade advocating for LGBTQ+ rights is held in the capital, Budapest. Prime Minister Viktor Orb?n has claimed that this event is harmful to children.

Last month, the Hungarian Parliament passed a law banning LGBTQ+ parades, citing potential harmful effects on children. Experts have expressed concerns that this constitutional amendment could be exploited not only against sexual minorities but also to suppress political opponents of the Orb?n regime.

The amendment also includes the phrase "the father is male and the mother is female," reflecting the government’s conservative stance that does not recognize diverse family structures.

In Budapest, while Hungarian lawmakers vote to approve the parliament, protesters are voicing opposition to the new constitutional amendment. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Additionally, the government was granted the authority to suspend citizenship for dual nationals from non-European Union (EU) countries if they are deemed a threat to public order or national security. The ruling party described this as a measure targeting civic groups or journalists threatening national sovereignty.

This constitutional amendment was led by Fidesz, the ruling party headed by right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orb?n. Fidesz holds a majority with 135 out of 199 seats.

Orb?n, who has been in power for four consecutive terms since 2010, has repeatedly made hateful remarks against sexual minorities and has consecutively legislated restrictions on their rights. AFP reported, "This amendment is the 15th constitutional revision under the Orb?n regime."

The EU has suspended billions of euros in financial aid, citing Hungary’s erosion of the rule of law and concentration of power. Major foreign media predict that this amendment will further deepen the conflict between the EU and Hungary.

With next year’s general election approaching, the ruling party Fidesz’s approval ratings are declining. Experts interpret that the Orb?n regime is attempting to rally conservative supporters by scapegoating sexual minorities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.