In a decisive vote, Hungary's parliament has passed amendments aimed at limiting LGBTQ+ rights and imposing restrictions on dual nationals. The controversial move has sparked protests and raises concerns about the country's democratic principles and identity politics.
Hungary’s Parliament Approves Controversial Amendments Targeting LGBTQ+ Rights and Dual Nationals
Hungary’s Parliament Approves Controversial Amendments Targeting LGBTQ+ Rights and Dual Nationals
New constitutional amendments in Hungary pose significant threats to LGBTQ+ rights and the status of dual nationals amid growing political tensions.
Hungary's parliament has moved forward with a set of constitutional amendments that critically impact the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and dual nationals. The government contends that these changes, purportedly designed to safeguard children's moral and physical well-being, empower it to outlaw public gatherings related to LGBTQ+ issues. This legislation has prompted organized protests outside the parliament, where hundreds of activists voiced their dissent, decrying the amendments as a pivotal step toward increasing authoritarian governance in Hungary.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban's administration, represented by the ruling Fidesz party, successfully pushed the bill through, with 140 votes in favor and only 21 against. Notably, these amendments also provide the government the authority to temporarily revoke citizenship from any dual nationals labeled as a threat to national security. Fidesz hinted that this provision targets foreign-funded entities, particularly "bogus NGOs" and critics in media, with speculation surrounding Hungarian-American philanthropist George Soros, a frequent target of Orban's rhetoric.
These recent amendments follow a series of laws enacted in the past month, which banned LGBTQ+ pride marches under the premise of protecting children. Orban has justified this direction by denouncing "woke ideology" as a danger to youth. Opposition voices, such as Momentum MP David Bedo, have expressed grave concerns that these legislative measures mark an erosion of democratic freedoms, warning that more restrictive laws are likely to follow.
Government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs defended the changes, framing them as constitutional protections against ideological influences seen as harmful to children, particularly during events like Pride parades. This ideological shift also aligns with Orban's desire to cultivate a more Christian-conservative national identity.
Despite Fidesz's long-standing leadership since 2010, emerging challenges in the political landscape have begun to materialize. The new center-right political party Tisza is gaining traction in public opinion polls ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections, reflecting a desire for a new approach toward the European Union. Peter Magyar, a former Fidesz politician who distanced himself from the ruling party, has added to the political intrigue, though he has yet to make statements regarding LGBTQ+ issues, keeping conservative supporters awaiting his stance.
