Hungarian lawmakers approve constitutional amendment banning LGBTQ+ public events, asserting only two sexes

In a significant move criticized by legal scholars and human rights advocates, Hungary's parliament, led by the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has passed an amendment to the constitution that allows the government to ban public events organized by LGBTQ+ communities. This legislative change adds to existing laws that have previously targeted LGBTQ+ rights, codifying a ban on Pride events and defining individuals strictly as male or female. Supporters of the amendment argue it is essential for children's 'moral and physical development,' framing it as a necessary protection against what they term 'woke ideology.' However, this rationale has been described by critics, including opposition lawmakers, as a smokescreen to garner political support while the government faces challenges ahead of the elections in 2026. The amendment was met with protests from the opposition, who attempted to block the parliamentary vote but were removed by police. The implications of these changes extend beyond LGBTQ+ rights, presenting a chilling effect on freedom of assembly as authorities now possess enhanced powers, including the ability to employ facial recognition to identify participants at prohibited events. This marks a continued trend of increasing state control over civil liberties, drawing comparisons to authoritarian governance practices seen in other nations. The law has sparked outrage from local and international human rights organizations, warning that it significantly escalates efforts to suppress dissent and undermine human rights protections in Hungary.