On April 14, 2025, the Hungarian Parliament passed a controversial amendment to the Constitution that significantly restricts the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and bans all public gatherings related to LGBTQ+ issues, including the annual Pride March. The amendment was adopted with a vote of 140 in favor and 21 against, marking a decisive move by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government to solidify its stance against non-binary gender identities and LGBTQ+ rights.
The newly approved legislation provides a constitutional basis for a law that was enacted on March 18, 2025, which prohibits the organization of any public events that promote LGBTQ+ rights. This law has been met with widespread protests from activists and opposition members, who argue that it represents a severe infringement on civil liberties and human rights in Hungary.
Under the new constitutional amendment, the state asserts that "the rights of children to moral, physical, and spiritual development prevail over any other rights, except for the right to life." This clause has raised concerns among critics, who argue that it is being used as a justification for curtailing freedoms related to assembly and expression. The amendment explicitly states that "people can be only male or female," effectively denying recognition to non-binary and transgender identities.
The amendment also introduces new measures targeting individuals with dual or multiple citizenships, who may now face the suspension of their Hungarian citizenship if deemed a threat to national security. This aspect of the law has been criticized as a means of silencing dissent and targeting political opponents, particularly those connected to foreign entities.
Protests erupted in Budapest prior to the vote, with opposition politicians and activists attempting to block access to the Parliament building. Protesters formed a human chain, but police intervened to disperse the crowd, allowing the legislative session to proceed unhindered. Opposition member Dávid Bedo described the situation as a troubling escalation of authoritarianism, stating, "They have dismantled democracy and the rule of law, with an escalation in recent times."
Viktor Orbán defended the legislation, asserting that it is essential for protecting children from what he termed "gay propaganda" and foreign interference. He celebrated the constitutional amendment on social media, claiming, "In Hungary, common sense matters. We protect the development of children, affirm that a person is born male or female, and oppose drugs and foreign interference." This rhetoric echoes similar sentiments expressed by other authoritarian leaders, raising alarms about Hungary's political direction.
The implications of this amendment extend beyond LGBTQ+ rights, as it also allows law enforcement to utilize facial recognition technology to identify and penalize individuals participating in prohibited gatherings, akin to practices seen in more repressive regimes. Critics have likened Hungary's trajectory to that of Russia, where similar laws have been enacted under the guise of protecting traditional values.
Human rights organizations have condemned the amendment, with the Helsinki Committee stating that it represents a significant escalation in the government's efforts to suppress dissent and weaken human rights protections. The committee, alongside Amnesty International, has called on the European Commission to initiate infringement procedures against Hungary for violating EU law.
In response to the constitutional changes, European leaders have expressed outrage. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares remarked that Hungary's actions are incompatible with the values of the European Union, emphasizing that any nation that does not uphold these values places itself outside of Europe. He urged the European Commission to take decisive action against Hungary's government.
Opposition leader Peter Magyar of the Tisza party has voiced that these legislative moves are indicative of Orbán's desperation as his party faces declining popularity ahead of the 2026 elections. Recent polls suggest that Tisza holds a 7-point lead over Orbán's Fidesz party, indicating a potential shift in the political landscape.
Magyar stated, "We are now the majority, Tisza will win the elections in April 2026, and Orbán's regime must disappear." His comments reflect a growing sentiment among opposition members that the government is increasingly out of touch with the electorate, as public discontent over economic issues and civil rights violations mounts.
As Hungary embarks on this new chapter of constitutional changes, the implications for civil liberties, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, remain dire. The government's actions signal a broader trend of illiberalism that threatens to undermine democratic institutions and human rights protections within the country.
With the international community closely monitoring the situation, the future of Hungary's democracy hangs in the balance as it grapples with these significant legal and social transformations. The ongoing protests and international condemnation highlight the urgent need for a reassessment of Hungary's approach to civil rights and its commitment to European values.
In the face of escalating tensions and a potential crackdown on dissent, the resilience of Hungary's civil society will be put to the test as activists and opposition leaders continue to challenge the government's authoritarian measures.
