In a controversial decision, Hungary's parliament voted to implement constitutional amendments narrowing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and dual nationals, igniting public protests and debates over the nation's liberal governance trajectory.
Hungary's New Amendments Restrict Dual Nationals and LGBTQ+ Rights
Hungary's New Amendments Restrict Dual Nationals and LGBTQ+ Rights
Amid protests, the Hungarian parliament passes constitutional changes seen as anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-dual nationality.
Hungary's parliament has recently outlined a series of constitutional amendments aimed at limiting the rights of LGBTQ+ people and dual nationals, which has led to significant public unrest. The government claims these measures are intended to protect children's physical and moral development, thereby facilitating the prohibition of public LGBTQ+ gatherings. This decision, marking a decisive shift toward what rights advocates label "illiberal governance," triggered widespread protests outside the parliament ahead of the vote.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has previously promised an "Easter cleanup" of dissent, witnessed the vote pass with 140 members supporting and 21 opposing the amendments. Among the significant changes is the ability for the government to suspend the citizenship of dual nationals deemed a threat to national security or sovereignty. Fidesz, Orban's ruling party, posits that this amendment is targeted at those funding what they describe as "bogus NGOs" and independent media, raising speculation about Hungarian-American philanthropist George Soros, a frequent target of Orban's rhetoric.
These legislative alterations follow a recent law that already banned LGBTQ+ pride marches on grounds that have been termed harmful to children. Orban lauded this prior legislation, emphasizing a rejection of "woke ideology" that he claims endangers youth. Opposition leader David Bedo of the Momentum party articulated the broader implications of these laws, suggesting they extend beyond LGBTQ+ rights to threaten any type of opposition assembly, ultimately undermining democracy and rule of law in Hungary.
Amidst these developments, government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs termed the amendments a "constitutional safeguard" against ideological influences perceived as harmful to children's well-being, particularly in relation to events such as Pride parades. Observers note this trend in Hungary is reflective of a push to reforge national identity along conservative Christian lines. While Orban's government has held power since 2010, polling indicates growing support for the newly emerging center-right Tisza party, which advocates for a relaxed relationship with the EU, posing a potential challenge for the ruling Fidesz party ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has previously promised an "Easter cleanup" of dissent, witnessed the vote pass with 140 members supporting and 21 opposing the amendments. Among the significant changes is the ability for the government to suspend the citizenship of dual nationals deemed a threat to national security or sovereignty. Fidesz, Orban's ruling party, posits that this amendment is targeted at those funding what they describe as "bogus NGOs" and independent media, raising speculation about Hungarian-American philanthropist George Soros, a frequent target of Orban's rhetoric.
These legislative alterations follow a recent law that already banned LGBTQ+ pride marches on grounds that have been termed harmful to children. Orban lauded this prior legislation, emphasizing a rejection of "woke ideology" that he claims endangers youth. Opposition leader David Bedo of the Momentum party articulated the broader implications of these laws, suggesting they extend beyond LGBTQ+ rights to threaten any type of opposition assembly, ultimately undermining democracy and rule of law in Hungary.
Amidst these developments, government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs termed the amendments a "constitutional safeguard" against ideological influences perceived as harmful to children's well-being, particularly in relation to events such as Pride parades. Observers note this trend in Hungary is reflective of a push to reforge national identity along conservative Christian lines. While Orban's government has held power since 2010, polling indicates growing support for the newly emerging center-right Tisza party, which advocates for a relaxed relationship with the EU, posing a potential challenge for the ruling Fidesz party ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
