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Recent amendments to the Hungarian Constitution have ignited a firestorm of controversy, with critics decrying the move as a notable step towards authoritarianism. The amendments, spearheaded by Prime Minister Viktor Orban‘s government, grant the state broader powers to restrict LGBTQ+ public events, raising serious concerns about the future of fundamental rights in the country.
Parliament Approves Contentious Amendments
The Hungarian Parliament voted in favor of the constitutional changes, with 140 deputies supporting the measure and 21 opposing it. the amendments were put forth by the ruling coalition, primarily composed of the national conservative Fidesz party, led by Orban, and their Christian Democratic (KDNP) allies.
The amendments stipulate that children’s rights to moral, physical and mental progress are more significant than any fundamental rights other than the right to life.
This prioritization, critics argue, provides a pretext for limiting LGBTQ+ visibility and expression under the guise of protecting children. Similar arguments have been used in other countries to justify discriminatory legislation, such as the “Don’t Say Gay” law in Florida, USA, which restricts discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.
Protests and Opposition
Prior to the parliamentary vote,opposition politicians and activists staged protests,attempting to block access to the parliamentary parking lot in an effort to prevent ruling party legislators from entering. However, police dispersed the demonstrators, highlighting the government’s resolve to push through the amendments despite public opposition.
Codifying Restrictions on LGBTQ+ Events
These constitutional changes effectively codify the government’s recent actions to ban Budapest Pride and other public LGBTQ+ events. This move raises concerns about the freedom of assembly and expression for LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations in Hungary.
Expanding Citizenship Revocation powers
Beyond LGBTQ+ rights, the amendments also broaden the government’s ability to revoke Hungarian citizenship from individuals with dual citizenship from countries outside the European Economic Area. This power can be exercised if the individual is deemed a threat to public order,public security,or national security,raising concerns about potential abuse and discrimination.
A History of Constitutional amendments
This marks the 15th amendment to the Hungarian Constitution since 2011, when the Orban-led Fidesz party unilaterally drafted and approved the document. This frequent amending of the constitution has been criticized by legal scholars and international organizations as undermining the stability and integrity of the legal framework.
International Reactions and Concerns
The amendments have drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Many fear that these changes will further marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals in Hungary and set a dangerous precedent for other countries in the region. The European Union is currently reviewing the amendments to determine whether they violate EU law and fundamental rights principles.