Orban’s New Constitutional Amendment Confirms Only Two Genders

Hungary is witnessing a significant cultural and political shift as PM Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party propels a restrictive constitutional amendment centered on gender.

In a bold maneuver echoing the sentiments of right-wing governments worldwide, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has intensified his campaign against what he labels “gender madness.” On Monday, his government’s legislative majority passed an amendment enforcing a binary understanding of gender, which officially recognizes only male and female as valid identities for Hungarians.

This latest move is seen as a strategic play, with Orban aiming to boost his conservative base as Hungary gears up for elections next year amid rising opposition and economic challenges. "The international gender network must take its hands off our children," Orban declared, framing the amendment as essential to protecting the youth's welfare.

Accompanying the gender amendment is a provision aimed at safeguarding children's “physical, mental, and moral development.” This clause reinforces a recently enacted law aimed at prohibiting gay pride events, which the Orban administration has characterized as harmful to children.

Moreover, the constitutional changes also extend to citizenship, empowering the government to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals deemed a threat to national integrity. This provision targets critics who have emigrated and acquired another nationality, further consolidating Orban's power.

Orban characterized the legislative initiatives as part of a “spring cleaning” of Hungarian politics, touting a sweeping effort to rid the governmental framework of dissent. As Hungary navigates these turbulent waters, the implications for LGBTQ+ rights and civil liberties remain a point of contention, signaling a turbulent period in the nation's political landscape.