Hungary’s parliament on Monday passed an amendment to the constitution that allows the government to ban public events by LGBTQ+ communities.AP
| Published April 15, 2025
Hungary’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment that bans public LGBTQ+ events, including the annual Budapest Pride parade. The ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, passed the measure with a two-thirds majority. The amendment prioritizes children’s rights to moral, physical, and spiritual development over other rights, such as peaceful assembly.
The new law builds upon existing “child protection” legislation that prohibits the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to minors. It also permits authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify attendees of banned events, with fines up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (approximately $546) for participants.
Critics, including human rights organizations like Amnesty International, have condemned the amendment as a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights and democratic freedoms in Hungary. They argue that the law is part of a broader trend of authoritarian measures targeting marginalized communities and stifling dissent.
Opposition lawmakers and activists protested the amendment’s passage, with some attempting to blockade the parliament’s parking garage entrance. Police removed demonstrators who had bound themselves together with zip ties.
Police physically removed demonstrators, who had used zip ties to bind themselves together, according to reports.AFP via Getty Images
The amendment’s adoption has sparked concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in Hungary and its alignment with similar policies in countries like Russia. As the nation approaches the 30th anniversary of Budapest Pride, the future of LGBTQ+ rights and public demonstrations remains uncertain.
Implications:
the implications of Hungary’s constitutional amendment banning public LGBTQ+ events might be seen as follows:
✅ 1. Protection of Traditional Family Values
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Supporters may argue the law defends Hungary’s cultural and religious heritage by upholding traditional definitions of family and sexuality.
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They see it as a way to limit what they view as “ideological influence” on children, especially in public spaces.
The amendment, which required a two-thirds vote, passed along party lines with 140 votes for and 21 against.AP
🛡️ 2. Safeguarding Children’s Development
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The amendment explicitly frames itself around prioritizing children’s “moral, physical, and spiritual development.”
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Many conservatives might support the idea that children should not be exposed to topics related to sexuality or gender identity in public settings.
🇭🇺 3. National Sovereignty and Identity
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For conservatives, this law reinforces Hungary’s right to self-determination, especially in the face of pressure from the EU and international rights groups.
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It may be seen as a stand against what Orbán’s government calls “Western liberal influence” that conflicts with Hungarian societal norms.
🔒 4. Social Stability and Cohesion
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Public LGBTQ+ events are viewed by some conservatives as potentially disruptive or polarizing.
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Limiting them, in this view, helps maintain public order and avoid cultural clashes.
Ahead of the vote, opposition politicians and other protesters attempted to blockade the entrance to a parliament parking garage.REUTERS
🚨 5. Controversial but Intentional Governance
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While critics call it authoritarian, conservative supporters might see it as strong leadership that listens to the majority’s concerns about family values, national identity, and child protection.
SOURCES: THE NEW YORK POST – Hungary’s parliament on Monday passed an amendment to the constitution that allows the government to ban public events by LGBTQ+ communities.AP
FRANCE 24 – Hungary approves bans on LGBTQ public events and gatherings
EURONEWS – Hungary’s parliament passes constitutional amendment banning public LGBTQ+ events
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