<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/14/hungary-poised-to-adopt-constitutional-amendment-to-ban-lgbtq-gatherings>
"Hungarian lawmakers have voted through a controversial constitutional
amendment that campaigners described as a “significant escalation” in the
government’s efforts to crack down on dissent and chip away at human rights.
Backed by the prime minister, Viktor Orbán, and his rightwing populist party,
Fidesz, the amendment passed on Monday along party lines, with 140 votes for
and 21 against.
It codifies the government’s recent ban on Pride events, paving the way for
authorities to use facial recognition software to identify attenders and
potentially fine them.
The amendment, which the government says prioritises the protection of
children’s physical, mental and moral development, also enshrines the
recognition of only two sexes, providing a constitutional basis for denying the
gender identities of some in Hungary.
Amid Orbán’s repeated claims of foreign interference in the country’s politics,
the amendment also allows the government to temporarily suspend Hungarian
citizenship in the case of dual nationals deemed to pose a threat to the
country’s security or sovereignty.
The Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a rights group, described the amendment as a
means of “legislating fear” in the EU country. “These laws represent a
significant escalation in the government’s efforts to suppress dissent, weaken
human rights protection and consolidate its grip on power,” it said in a
statement.
The opposition Momentum party highlighted similarities with restrictions in
Russia. Much like Vladimir Putin, Orbán has sought to portray himself as a
champion of traditional family values, ushering in policies that include
blocking same-sex couples from adopting children and barring any mention of
LGBTQ+ issues in school education programmes.
Before Monday’s vote, Momentum issued a call on social media for Hungarians to
join it in a blockade of the country’s parliament, in the hope of keeping
lawmakers from voting in the legislation. “Let’s collectively prevent them from
leading us down the Putin road and depriving us of our freedom,” it said.
On Monday, opposition politicians and other protesters attempted to block the
entrance to a parliament parking garage, with some using zip ties to bind
themselves together, and were physically removed by police.
The constitutional amendment was approved almost a month after lawmakers
fast-tracked a law that banned public events held by LGBTQ+ communities.
Thousands of people have since taken to the streets, blocking bridges and major
thoroughfares with chants of “democracy” and “assembly is a fundamental right”
in weekly protests."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
