Hungarian Government Further Restricts LGBTQ+ Rights with Constitutional Amendment

The Hungarian government has banned the annual Pride march and legally defined gender as strictly male or female. These changes are part of a series of controversial constitutional amendments passed by parliament on Monday, initiated by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
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The amendments state that Hungary recognises only two sexes: male and female. They also place the physical and moral development of children above other rights. According to the government, the changes serve as “constitutional protection against ideological influences” such as Pride events.

The amendments received broad support from Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party, which holds a two-thirds majority, and were backed by far-right MPs. In total, 140 members voted in favour, with 21 against.

These constitutional changes follow earlier legislation passed on 18 March, which officially banned the annual Pride march. Fidesz argued the event could be harmful to children. Critics say the ban represents a serious infringement on the right to peaceful assembly and warn of further repression of minority groups.

In addition to targeting LGBTQ+ rights, the new legislation allows for the temporary suspension of Hungarian citizenship for nationals with dual citizenship outside the EU. The government claims this is part of an effort to combat “foreign political pressure networks” said to undermine Hungary’s sovereignty and democracy.

With these moves, Orbán appears to be rallying his conservative base and courting voters on the far right. The measures come ahead of the 2026 elections, as the prime minister faces mounting pressure due to economic challenges and a rising opposition.

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