Hungary’s parliament has passed a constitutional amendment allowing the government to ban public events by LGBTQ+ communities. The move is seen as another step toward authoritarianism by the populist government, with critics calling it a threat to democracy and human rights.
The amendment, proposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz-KDNP coalition, requires a two-thirds vote and supersedes any right to peacefully assemble for LGBTQ+ individuals. It also allows authorities to use facial recognition tools to identify protesters, including those at the annual Pride event in Budapest.
Opposition lawmakers attempted to blockade the parliament parking garage ahead of the vote, but were physically removed by police. Critics argue that the measure is a distraction from more pressing issues and is being used to mobilize Orbán’s right-wing base before elections.
The amendment also states that the constitution recognizes two sexes, male and female, and provides a constitutional basis for denying the gender identities of transgender people. Human rights groups have condemned the move as an attack on individual self-expression and inclusivity.
Hungary has taken steps in recent months to protect its national sovereignty from foreign influence, including suspending citizenship for dual citizens deemed to pose a threat to public order. The country’s government has been accused of undermining democracy and human rights, with Orbán comparing critics to “insects” in a recent speech.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/15/nx-s1-5365421/hungary-lgbtq-rights-ban-orban