Hungary’s parliament has approved a series of constitutional amendments that curb the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and dual nationals, drawing sharp criticism from human rights groups.
The government claims the changes are intended to protect children’s physical and moral development, granting it the authority to ban public LGBTQ+ gatherings, including Pride events.
Hundreds protested outside parliament as the bill passed with 140 votes in favor and 21 against. Activists called it a pivotal moment in Hungary’s slide toward illiberalism.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose ruling Fidesz party backed the amendments, previously warned of an “Easter cleanup” targeting his critics.
The legislation also allows the state to suspend the citizenship of dual nationals deemed threats to national security or sovereignty. Fidesz has framed this as a measure against foreign influence, singling out figures like Hungarian-American philanthropist George Soros.
These constitutional changes follow a recent law that banned LGBTQ+ Pride marches, which Orbán defended as necessary to shield children from “woke ideology.”
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