Hungary Bans Public LGBTQ+ Events and Defines Gender as Male or Female
On April 14, 2025, Hungary’s parliament enacted a controversial constitutional amendment that significantly restricts LGBTQ+ rights and redefines gender. The amendment, supported by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party, passed with a two-thirds majority, enabling the government to ban public LGBTQ+ events, including the prominent Budapest Pride parade. Additionally, it legally defines gender as strictly male or female, excluding recognition for transgender and intersex individuals .
Key Provisions of the Amendment
- Ban on Public LGBTQ+ Events: The amendment grants the government the authority to prohibit public gatherings that promote LGBTQ+ rights, effectively outlawing events like Pride parades.
- Gender Definition: It establishes a constitutional definition of gender as exclusively male or female, denying legal recognition to non-binary, transgender, and intersex individuals.
- Facial Recognition Technology: Authorities are permitted to use facial recognition technology to identify and fine individuals participating in banned events, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance.
- Citizenship Suspension: The amendment allows for the temporary suspension of Hungarian citizenship for dual nationals deemed threats to national security, particularly those residing outside the European Union.
Government’s Justification
The Orbán administration argues that these measures are necessary to protect children from exposure to content they deem inappropriate, framing the restrictions as part of a broader “child protection” initiative. The government contends that the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights constitutes a form of “sexual propaganda” that should be restricted.
Domestic and International Reactions
The amendment has sparked widespread protests across Hungary, with demonstrators condemning the government’s actions as authoritarian and discriminatory. Opposition parties and civil rights organizations argue that the law infringes upon fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
Internationally, the European Union and various human rights groups have expressed strong opposition to the amendment. Critics liken Hungary’s actions to repressive policies observed in countries like Russia, warning of a broader erosion of democratic principles and human rights within the EU.
Looking Ahead
As Hungary approaches the 30th anniversary of the Budapest Pride parade in June, organisers have pledged to continue advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, despite the legal challenges posed by the new amendment. The situation underscores a growing tension between national sovereignty and international human rights standards, with Hungary’s actions closely watched by both domestic and global observers.
