Hungary’s parliament passed an amendment to the constitution allowing the government to ban public events by LGBTQ communities, a move criticized by legal scholars and critics. The amendment prioritizes children’s rights over the right to assemble and prohibits the promotion of homosexuality to minors. It also bans public events held by LGBTQ communities and authorizes the use of facial recognition technology to identify attendees, with potential fines for violators.
Opposition politicians and protesters attempted to block the vote, citing concerns about the government’s authoritarian tendencies. The amendment also reinforces binary gender identities and denies the existence of transgender and intersex individuals. Critics argue that these measures are intended to distract from more pressing issues and mobilize the government’s right-wing base ahead of elections in 2026.
The amendment is part of a broader crackdown on civil rights and opposition groups by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government, which has characterized LGBTQ rights as a threat to children and national sovereignty. Laws targeting LGBTQ communities and foreign-funded organizations have been passed under the guise of protecting children and maintaining Hungary’s independence. Critics view these measures as propaganda and efforts to suppress dissent.
The amendment is the latest in a series of changes to Hungary’s constitution since Orbán’s party came to power in 2011. It also allows for the suspension of citizenship for dual citizens deemed a threat to public order, security, or national sovereignty. Orbán has been vocal in his criticism of foreign influence in Hungarian politics and has vowed to eliminate those he sees as undermining the country’s autonomy.
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