Hungary Enacts Amendment to Ban Public LGBTQ+ Events

The Hungarian Parliament recently enacted a constitutional amendment permitting the prohibition of public LGBTQ+ events, including prominent gatherings such as Budapest Pride. This amendment, which necessitated a two-thirds majority for approval, was largely supported by the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, receiving 140 votes in favor against 21 opposed. Many legal experts and critics characterize this decision as a concerning advancement towards authoritarian governance.

The newly instated amendment emphasizes that the rights of children to moral, physical, and spiritual development supersede all other rights, apart from the right to life. Moreover, it explicitly restricts the depiction or promotion of homosexuality for individuals under 18 years of age in the interests of "child protection."

In practical terms, this amendment allows authorities to ban public activities organized by LGBTQ+ communities, which includes events like Budapest Pride. Further measures permit law enforcement to employ facial recognition technology to identify participants at banned events, potentially imposing fines of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints or approximately 546 US dollars. Critics express that such constitutional alterations serve to distract the public from pressing national issues and bolster support for Orban ahead of forthcoming elections.

Previously reported by UNN, the ruling FIDESZ party has consistently expressed intentions to prevent annual pride parades in Budapest, highlighting an ongoing conflict between the government and LGBTQ+ rights advocates in Hungary.