Hungary's parliament has passed sweeping constitutional amendments further restricting LGBTQ+ rights, including banning same-sex couples from adopting children and redefining family as strictly heterosexual.
The changes, championed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's nationalist Fidesz party, align with his conservative agenda of preserving "Christian culture" and traditional values.
Key Changes:
- Adoption is now limited to married heterosexual couples, effectively barring same-sex couples.
- The constitution defines family as "based on marriage and the parent-child relationship," stating that "the mother is a woman, the father is a man."
- LGBTQ+ content is restricted in schools and media, citing child protection.
Reactions:
Human rights groups have condemned the move as discriminatory and regressive. Amnesty Hungary called it "a dark day for human rights," while ILGA-Europe expressed concern for LGBTQ+ children growing up in restrictive environments. Critics argue these laws violate international human rights standards and deepen social polarization.
Broader Context:
Orbán's government has increasingly targeted LGBTQ+ rights, banning gender studies programs, restricting legal gender recognition for transgender individuals, and using identity politics to consolidate support amid political challenges. Rights groups urge European leaders to address Hungary's actions under EU rule-of-law mechanisms.