Hungary’s Parliament Enacts Controversial Amendments Limiting LGBTQ+ and Dual National Rights

Hungary’s parliament has voted to pass significant amendments targeting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and dual nationals, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government claiming the measures protect children. Protesters have voiced concerns about a shift towards illiberal governance.

Hungary's parliament has moved forward with a series of constitutional amendments that are set to curtail the rights of both LGBTQ+ individuals and dual nationals. The ruling Fidesz party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, asserts that these changes are designed to safeguard the physical and moral well-being of children, which includes a provision to ban public gatherings related to LGBTQ+ issues.

Hundreds of protesters assembled outside the parliamentary building to express their discontent, branding the vote as a significant step in Hungary's departure from democratic norms. The amendments received overwhelming support, with 140 members voting in favor and only 21 against.

In addition to curtailing LGBTQ+ rights, the new laws will allow the government to temporarily revoke the citizenship of any dual nationals deemed a threat to national security or the nation's sovereignty. Fidesz has indicated that this measure targets individuals financing “fake NGOs,” alongside alleged foreign influences, particularly naming Hungarian-American philanthropist George Soros, a frequent target of Orban's critiques.

This legislative move follows the enactment of a new law last month banning LGBTQ+ pride marches, with the government asserting that such events pose risks to children. Prime Minister Orban defended the ban, declaring that "woke ideology" would not be permitted to compromise the safety of youth.

Opposition lawmaker David Bedo, from the Momentum party, criticized the amendments, claiming that they extend beyond pride events to encompass any gatherings organized by the opposition. He indicated that this is merely the initial phase of a broader campaign against democratic values, warning of more oppressive laws on the horizon.

Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs argued that the amendments represent a necessary constitutional protection against ideological currents that they believe endanger children's welfare, particularly in the context of Pride events.

This shift is perceived by many as an attempt to realign Hungary’s identity along Christian-conservative ideals. Although the Fidesz party has held power since 2010, latest polling suggests the emerging center-right party Tisza is gaining traction, reviving discussions about the future of governance in Hungary, especially as it relates to relations with the European Union.