Hungary’s parliament has just passed a constitutional amendment granting the government authority to ban public events organized by LGBTQ+ communities, a move widely criticized as a significant setback for human rights.
The amendment, proposed by the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, codifies existing restrictive laws and further entrenches Hungary’s controversial stance on sexual minority rights.
This decision has drawn international attention, with legal scholars, activists, and global media outlets highlighting its implications for democratic freedoms and marginalized communities.
The amendment, the 15th to Hungary’s constitution since Orbán’s Fidesz party rewrote it in 2011, builds on the country’s 2021 “child protection” legislation, which prohibits the “depiction or promotion” of homosexuality to minors under 18.
According to the Standard Speaker, the new measure explicitly allows the government to outlaw public LGBTQ+ events, including Budapest’s annual Pride parade, a vibrant celebration that has drawn thousands in recent years.
The vote in parliament was decisive, passing 136-27, though opponents expressed dissent by setting off smoke bombs during the session, as reported by posts on X.
Critics argue the amendment represents a broader slide toward authoritarianism under Orbán’s leadership.
The Associated Press noted that legal scholars view this as “another step” in consolidating power by targeting vulnerable groups, a tactic Orbán has employed to rally his conservative base.
The ban on public events is seen as an escalation of Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies, which have included restrictions on adoption by same-sex couples and bans on gender recognition in official documents.
“This is not just about limiting events—it’s about erasing the visibility and existence of an entire community,” said a Budapest-based activist quoted in The Guardian.
International reactions have been swift and condemnatory. The European Union, of which Hungary is a member, has long clashed with Budapest over its human rights record.
Reuters reported that EU officials are considering further legal action, citing violations of the bloc’s Charter of Fundamental Rights, which guarantees non-discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Previous EU responses to Hungary’s policies have included withholding funds, though Orbán has remained defiant, framing his government’s actions as protecting “traditional family values.”
Hungary’s move also contrasts with global trends toward greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights.
BBC News contextualized the amendment within Orbán’s broader culture war, noting that while countries like Germany and Spain have expanded protections for sexual minorities, Hungary is aligning itself with a shrinking group of nations, such as Russia, that enforce stringent anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
The ban’s timing, ahead of Hungary’s 2026 elections, suggests a calculated effort to galvanize conservative voters, according to Politico Europe.
Local LGBTQ+ organizations have vowed to resist. Transvanilla, a Hungarian transgender rights group, stated in a press release covered by Euronews that they are exploring legal challenges, potentially appealing to the European Court of Human Rights.
However, Hungary’s judiciary, increasingly aligned with the ruling party, poses significant hurdles. “We’re fighting an uphill battle, but we won’t be silenced,” a spokesperson said.
The amendment’s passage has also reignited debates about Hungary’s place in the EU and its commitment to democratic principles. The New York Times editorialized that Orbán’s policies risk isolating Hungary diplomatically while emboldening other populist leaders to adopt similar measures.
Meanwhile, public sentiment in Hungary remains divided. While Orbán enjoys strong rural support, urban centers like Budapest have seen growing protests, with thousands rallying against the amendment, per Al Jazeera.
